The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially announced the postponement of the final round of qualifiers for the U23 Africa Cup of Nations. Originally scheduled to take place next month, the decisive matches will now be played in September, a move aimed at easing pressure on national teams as they prepare for the senior 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
The third and final qualifying round for the Egypt 2019 U23 AFCON was initially set for June 5 to June 10. However, CAF has opted to shift the fixtures to a later date to avoid disrupting preparations for the senior AFCON, which will bring together the continent’s top national teams. Several players eligible for the U23 competition are also expected to feature in senior squads, and the overlap in scheduling raised concerns about player workload, logistics, and the smooth organization of training camps.
According to reports, CAF’s decision was driven by a desire to protect both the interests of the national associations and the players themselves. With many federations already deep into preparations for the senior tournament, holding decisive U23 qualifiers in June risked stretching squads and coaching staffs too thin. By moving the fixtures, CAF hopes to ensure that teams can focus fully on the Africa Cup of Nations before turning their attention back to youth competition.
As a result, the final round of U23 qualifiers will now take place from September 2 to September 10. These matches will determine the last teams to qualify for the final phase of the U23 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted by Egypt from November 8 to November 22, 2019. The tournament will feature eight nations and carries significant importance, as the top three finishers will earn qualification for the men’s football tournament at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
The postponement adds an extra layer of anticipation to what promises to be a highly competitive round of qualifiers. Several traditional African football nations remain in contention, and the matchups reflect the depth of talent across the continent. Among the fixtures scheduled for the final round are South Africa against Zimbabwe, Zambia versus Congo, Ghana facing Algeria, and Cameroon taking on Tunisia. Other encounters include Ivory Coast against Guinea, Sudan versus Nigeria, and Morocco meeting Mali. Each of these pairings is expected to deliver intense and closely fought contests, with Olympic qualification providing a powerful incentive.
The U23 Africa Cup of Nations has grown in importance in recent years, serving not only as a continental championship but also as a gateway to the Olympic Games. For many young players, it represents a crucial stepping stone in their careers, offering exposure on a major international stage and the opportunity to attract interest from top clubs. For national federations, success at U23 level is often seen as a reflection of the strength of their development systems and future prospects for the senior team.
By rescheduling the qualifiers, CAF aims to strike a balance between the demands of senior and youth competitions. The decision is expected to be welcomed by coaches and players alike, as it allows greater focus, better preparation, and reduced risk of fatigue or injury. As September approaches, attention will shift back to the U23 qualifiers, where the final places in Egypt 2019 will be fiercely contested, and the race toward Olympic qualification will truly intensify.
