On Friday, September 8, 2023, there will be three Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches featuring six teams, all of whom already know their fate regarding the upcoming continental championship.
The action kicks off in Group D in the early evening, with Egypt hosting Ethiopia in Cairo. The Pharaohs have already secured qualification and only require a single point to ensure they finish at the top of the group ahead of Guinea (who will face Malawi on Saturday). Meanwhile, the Walia Ibex will aim to conclude their campaign on a positive note and climb out of the bottom position in the group.
It’s worth noting that Egypt will be without their star player, Mohamed Salah, who is being given some extra rest but is expected to return for their friendly against Tunisia in four days.
In the first of two night kick-offs, Group B takes the spotlight as Burkina Faso and Eswatini face off at the Marrakesh Stadium in Morocco. Burkina Faso has already secured qualification and will seek to claim the top spot in the table ahead of Cape Verde (who will be playing against Togo on Sunday). Regardless of the result, Sihlangu Semnikati will finish at the bottom of the group standings.
The evening’s final match comes from Group G, where already-qualified Mali hosts already-eliminated South Sudan in Bamako. The Eagles have now secured qualification for nine successive AFCONs and will use this clash as a warm-up for a friendly against Ivory Coast in Abidjan next week.
AFCON Fixtures – Friday, September 8, 2023
4:00: Egypt vs. Ethiopia
7:00: Burkina Faso vs. Eswatini
7:00: Mali vs. South Sudan
