Chronicle Editor
WITH the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers set to commence this week, here’s a look at today’s list of fixtures that will see the likes of Sudan, Gambia, Libya and Tanzania battle to gain the upper hand in their respective groups.
Beginning in Group F, Sudan and Niger have been scheduled to square off at the Juba Stadium in South Sudan on today.
Sudan, who won the competition in 1970, missed out on the most recent edition of the Africa Cup of Nations that was held in Cote d’Ivoire. Niger on the other hand, are looking to qualify for the tournament for the third time in their history and last featured in the show-piece back in 2013.
Then, as one of the most keenly anticipated Afcon qualifiers this week, Libya and Rwanda will do battle at the 11 June Stadium today.
Under the guidance of former Orlando Pirates coach Milutin Sredojevic, Libya recorded just one defeat in 11 matches since October last year.
Fondly known as ‘Micho’, the ex-PSL mentor will guide Libya in their 11th Afcon qualifying campaign, while Rwanda have made just one appearance in the competition, first in 2004.
With club football put on ice for the next couple of weeks, Tanzania and Ethiopia will start their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a Group H clash at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium today.
Kick-off is at 6:00pm (CAT, GMT+2)
“According to our medical staff, all players are in good condition and are adapting well to our training regimen,” Suleiman said.
“This isn’t new for us; our players are familiar with our approach, as some have participated in previous Afcon tournaments while others are pushing for their first appearance.
“I am optimistic that under our methods, we can create a strong team. We have been training since Thursday and are making steady progress. Recognising the significance of this match, we urge fans to come out in large numbers to support the team,” Suilaman added.
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has his full complement of players after the three outstanding members of the final 23 arrived in camp.
Elias Mokwana arrived on Monday night while Siyabonga Ngezana and Sphephelo Sithole joined the rest of the group yesterday. Bafana Bafana team manager Vincent Tseka confirmed the arrivals and said they would be available for training.
Broos’ charges open their Afcon account when they face Uganda at home at Orlando Stadium on Friday, September 6, 2024 (6pm), and then they travel to South Sudan to play their second match in the group on Tuesday, September 10, 2024.
The Bafana Bafana coach said while the camp is buzzing with positive energy, they would not underestimate Uganda and South Sudan.
“Let us try to win these two games, we have the quality, and we have the confidence do it. But it doesn’t mean we will underestimate our opponents on Friday and next week on Tuesday,” Broos said.
“They are difficult teams to play against. There are teams who have much power, much height and they play with heart. There are some good individuals in the teams, and it means from our side, we have to play on our level. And if we can achieve again and confirm again what we did in the last few months, I think we have to be able to win those two games.”
Fixtures
Today: Sudan v Niger, Comoros v Gambia, Libya v Rwanda, Tanzania v Ethiopia —SuperSport
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