Six nations are looking to make it three from three in the returning 2023 AFCON Qualifiers! Bafana face a must-win clash with Liberia if they are to progress in a peculiar Group K.
Thursday 23 March
Ghana vs Angola (19:00)
Ghana’s display at the 2022 FIFA World Cup was one the nation could take pride over, but being unable to exact revenge over bitter rivals Uruguay would’ve left a funny taste in the mouth. Currently tied on four points apiece with Angola in Group E, I’m tipping the Black Stars to flex their muscle in this matchup.
Friday 24 March
Algeria vs Niger (00:00)
The 1990 AFCON winners are still searching for continental glory again three decades on. Back-to-back group stage wins sees the Desert Warriors four points clear at the summit of Group F ready to face second-placed Niger who have drawn both fixtures. Niger are proving hard to defeat, but if there’s any team capable in this group, it is Algeria.
Nigeria vs Guinea-Bissau (19:00)
Nigeria’s decline in recent years is not one the Super Eagles will take likely, and a statement in the AFCON is on the horizon in my opinion. Napoli striker Victor Osimhen is the current top scorer in the qualifiers (five goals) and leads the rankings in the Italian Serie A. With the 24-year-old spearheading Nigeria, their attack is unstoppable. Strongly back the home nation.
Ivory Coast vs Comoros (19:00)
The Ivory Coast losing in the Round of 16 on penalties to Egypt was unfortunate at the 2021 Cameroon AFCON. Unperturbed, they came out the blocks firing to defeat former champions Zambia 3-1 but failed to go away to Lesotho and maintain the winning form. Comoros is a tougher opponent, but the home advantage is sure to get Ivory Coast across the line.
South Africa vs Liberia (19:00)
Group K of the 2023 AFCON qualifiers is unique in the fact that only three teams are competing, but two nations still qualify for the next rounds. For South Africa, wins over Liberia are crucial after losing 2-1 away to Morocco, and this fixture in particular is the must-win of the lot. Hugo Broos’ side did show great quality in Morocco, and Burnley striker Lyle Foster alongside Percy Tau upfront is a recipe for three points.
Egypt vs Malawi (22:00)
The 2021 AFCON runners up were heavily tipped to whitewash Group D, but a shock 2-0 defeat in their opening fixture to Ethiopia was a real wakeup call. The 1-0 victory over Guinea was not the most inspiring response for the North African giants and now they face Malawi who defeated Ethiopia. Group D has been a mixed bag of back-and-forth results but playing in Egypt is always going to be tough for any opposition. I’m tipping Egypt ever so slightly here.
Senegal vs Mozambique (22:00)
Reigning, defending African champions, Senegal hope to make it three for three when they welcome Mozambique who have raised a few eyes in Group L. The southern African side has yet to lose a qualification match and now face a tough ask. Senegal’s recent escapades in the FIFA World Cup without arguably Africa’s best footballer, Sadio Mane, were exceptional, so this is tipped to be a breeze in the park should the Lions of Teranga feature a strong line-up.
Cameroon vs Namibia (23:00)
Samuel Eto’o has really put a lot of faith in his nation as President of the football federation and coming up short is quickly becoming an unfortunate reality for Cameroon. However, against Namibia you can expect a goal fest with the attacking threat that Cameroon have at their disposal.
Saturday 25 March
Tunisia vs Libya (00:30)
The last fixture that Tunisia played was probably the most memorable the nation will have for many years to come. A 1-0 victory over former World Cup champions France is something that will stick in the hearts and minds of everyone involved. But now they must turn their attention to Eastern neighbours Libya, who they defeated 5-2 and 4-1 the last time they met in the qualification rounds. Expect another big victory for Tunisia.
