AFCON 2019 semi-final fixtures set [Details]

The 2019 African Cup of Nations, AFCON, the continent’s biggest football showpiece is underway in Egypt. It kicked off on June 21 after a spectacular opening ceremony.

Hosts, Egypt, went on to beat Zimbabwe by a lone goal in the first game of the tournament. After twelve match days and two days of rest, the round of 16 was dispatched leaving eight teams. The quarter-finals played over four days have further whittled the number down to four.

As at July 11, there are only four teams left in contention. The first to fourth will be known between them. They are Senegal (Teranga lions), Nigeria (Super Eagles), Algeria (The Foxes) and Tunisia (Carthage Eagles).

Africanews is keeping you up to date with the very latest across the four games as teams play for a place in the semi-finals.

Semi-final fixtures

• Nigeria vs. Algeria – Sunday July 14, 2019
• Senegal vs. Tunisia – Sunday July 14, 2019
• Winners meet in final slated for Friday July 19, 2019
• Losers will play in the third-place game on 17 July, 2019

The final could potentially be an all West African or all North African affair. It could also be a battle between the West and North – Africa’s perennial football power blocs.

Senegal is the only team that has yet to taste AFCON glory in the quartet. Nigeria have won it thrice whiles Algeria and Tunisia have each won it once.

STATS | Check out the full-time stats! Which team had the better overall performance? #TotalAFCON2019 #MADTUN pic.twitter.com/c94oJoxZO1

— CAF (@CAF_Online) July 11, 2019

Can Madagascar win AFCON 2019 like the Greek won Euro 2004?

Quarterfinal fixtures

Quarterfinal action starts for the eight teams that remain in the competition. West Africa has four, north and southern Africa with two each.

• Senegal beat Benin 1 – 0 in Cairo via Idrissa Gueye strike (July 10)
• Nigeria beat South Africa 2 – 1 in Cairo (July 10) Chukwueze, Ekeng goals, Bongani for South Africa
• Algeria beat Ivory Coast 4 – 3 on penalties after 1 – 1 score in 120 minutes.
• Madagascar vs. Tunisia in Cairo July 11: winner faces Senegal

Madagascar vs. Tunisia

Tunisia takes lead via Ferjani Sassi goal on 52nd minute mark. Eight minutes later lead doubled by Msakni. In injury time, Naim seals the result with a third strike.

Tournament debutants Madagascar, who have been impressive in the tournament take on Tunisia, who are also yet to win or lose a match, in the quarter-final on July 11 at the Al Salam Stadium.

Madagascar, who shocked fans with a 2-0 group stage victory over Nigeria, will be hoping to continue the fairytale story that saw them qualify for Africa’s biggest football tournament for the first time.

This will be the first time the two teams meet at Africa’s biggest football tournament.

Quarter-final Day 2: Algeria vs. Ivory Coast

Algeria are through to the semi-finals of the AFCON after beating Ivory Coast on penalties 4 – 3. The north Africans took a lead in the first half but the Ivorians hit back in the second half.

The contest came down to spot kicks after the two sides failed to find a winner in extra time.It is the first quarter-final to have gone into extra time. Senegal beat Benin 1 – 0, Nigeria beat South Africa 2 – 1. The final quarter-final is between Madagascar and Tunisia.

62’ – Kodjia restore parity for the Elephants
45’ – Algeria miss penalty. Bounedjah culpable
20’ – Feghouli strike gives Algeria the lead

Algeria’s lead against Ivory Coast has been cancelled. A 20th minute goal by Feghouli has been nullified by A 62nd minute Kodjia strike.

Winner of the fixture will face Nigeria in the semi-final stage of the competition. Nigeria defeated South Africa on July 10 to book their place in the semis.

STATS | Check out the first-half stats! #TotalAFCON2019 #CIVALG pic.twitter.com/NfUrYlweGD

— CAF (@CAF_Online) July 11, 2019

Algeria who have won all their four matches and are yet to concede a goal at the tournament are favourites to go all the way to the final, but they have to overcome Ivory Coast in the July 11 quarter-final in Suez.

Algeria beat Senegal, Kenya and Tanzania in the group stages before demolishing Guinea in Sunday’s last-16 match (3-0).

“Algeria have shown that they are good at all levels. They are very powerful. They are the best team at the moment,” said Guinea’s losing coach Paul Put.

Ivory Coast, who lost to Morocco in the group stages have won matches against Namibia, South Africa to reach this stage.

Head to Head record

• Ivory Coast 3-0 Algeria, group stage in 1968
• Ivory Coast 1-1 Algeria, group stage in 1988
• Algeria 3-0 Ivory Coast, group stage in 1990
• Ivory Coast 3-0 Algeria, group stage in 1992
• Ivory Coast 2-3 Algeria, quarter-final in 2010
• Algeria 2-2 Ivory Coast, group stage in 2013
• Ivory Coast 3-1 Algeria, quarter-final in 2015

Quarterfinal 2: Nigeria beats South Africa

27’ – Chukwuez strike
70’ – Bongani equalize with VAR validation
89’ – Ekong strikes, Nigeria holds on for qualification

Nigeria have shot in a first-half lead in their match against South Africa. The goal was scored by Chukwueze on the 27th minute mark.

The game is currently in the second half. The Bafana Bafana have since equalized via a Bongani Zungu goal that needed VAR validation. All is square now.

With about quarter of an hour to go, this could be the first quarter-final to go into extra time. Senegal earlier today beat Benin in regulation time thanks to an Idrissa Gueye strike.

South Africa starting 11: Ronwen Williams(G), Thamsanqa Mkhize, Sfiso Hlanti, Buhle Mkhwanazi, Thulani Hlatshwayo ©, Dean Furman, Kamohelo Mokotjo, Bongani Zungu, Thembinkosi Lorch, Percy Tau, Lebo Mothiba

Nigeria starting 11: Ezenwa, Uzoho, Mikel, Ogu, Onyekuru, Kalu, Simon, Balogun, Aina, Shehu, Onuachu, Osimhen

Quarterfinal 1: Senegal through, Benin out

The dream of winning a first AFCON continues for Senegal but it has ended for Benin who beat pre-tournament favourites Morocco to make the quarter-finals.

Senegal are looking to make the finals and go a step better than in 2002 when they were losing finalists.

A goal ruled out by VAR did not bother Aliou Cisse’s men who were holding on to a Idrissa Gueye lead in a game that they dominated for large portions.

70’ Idrissa Gueye scores for Senegal
73’ Mane doubles lead but goal ruled out by VAR
83’ Benin reduced to 10 men as Verdon gets marching orders

Senegal Line UP: Gomis, Koulibaly, Guèye, Kouyaté, Niang, Mané, Baldé, Sabaly, Saivet, Ndiaye, Gassama.

Benin Linn Up: Kassifa, Guero, Verdon, Adeoti, Mounié, Imorou, Adilehou, Soukou, D’almeida, Sessegnon.

Mane is leading the line for Senegal as expected, he is the top scorer at the tournament with three goals despite missing two penalties.

The Squirrels will be depending largely on the experience of Sessegnon to unlock the Senegalese. Goalie Kassifa has also come in for a lot of praise for his heroics.

STATS | Check out the first-half stats! #TotalAFCON2019 #SENBEN pic.twitter.com/605a5hq3SE

— CAF (@CAF_Online) July 10, 2019

??❤️#LesÉcureuils #TotalAFCON2019 pic.twitter.com/b3sD0BlCM5

— CAF (@CAF_Online) July 10, 2019

The fans never disappoint?#TerangaLions#TotalAFCON2019 pic.twitter.com/WjL5tqJBvP

— CAF (@CAF_Online) July 10, 2019

Quarterfinal Day 1: All you need to know

Senegal vs. Benin

This fixture takes place at the 30 June Stadium in Egypt’s capital, Cairo pitting the Lions of Teranga against the Squirrels of Benin.

The two teams, who have never won the prestigious prize, will be hoping to book a place in the semi-finals and take a step towards making history.

Sadio Mane’s Senegal go into the match as favourites, but will be wary of a Benin side that is yet to win or lose a match at the tournament, having held football giants like Cameroon, Ghana and Morocco to stalemates.

‘‘We should give every team its right and respect Benin. There are no small teams in Africa, the quality is very similar. While we might be favorites on paper, papers don’t decide anything,’‘ said Senegal’s coach Aliou Cisse.

‘‘Our presence at this stage is not out luck, we worked hard and I believe in my players,’‘ argued Benin’s coach, Michel Dussuyer.

Senegal and Benin have not met before in AFCON history.

Nigeria vs. South Africa

Three-time African champions Nigeria, will take on South Africa’s Bafana Bafana who won the tournament when they hosted it in 1996.

The Super Eagles who overcame their nemesis Cameroon in the Round of 16 will be hoping to avoid the fate of hosts Egypt, who were upset by South Africa in the previous stage.

‘‘We’re preparing very well for the game because it will be very difficult and against a strong team,’‘ Nigeria’s star forward Odion Ighalo said ahead of the July 10 fixture at the Cairo International Stadium.

South Africa beat Nigeria away in their opening match of the AFCON qualifiers in June 2017, and were held 1-1 in the return fixture.

‘‘Nigeria is one of the best teams in the tournament and it’s going to be a difficult match,’‘ conceded South Africa’s coach, Stuart Baxter.

Head to Head record

• Nigeria 2-0 South Africa, semi-final in 2000
• Nigeria 4-0 South Africa, group stage in 2004

Ghana vs. Tunisia – Updates

Ghana vs. Tunisia in Ismaili, the final fixture of round of 16 ended in penalties which went the way of the North Africans.

It was a goalless first half but with barely 20 minutes to end, the Tunisians took the lead but an own goal brought Ghana into it.

73’ – Khenissi gives Tunisia the lead
90’ extra time – Bedoui equalizes at the wrong end

The game went to penalty kicks. The third to travel 120 minutes. The first was Benin’s victory over Morocco and Madagascar’s triumph over DRC. The Atlas Lions will now face the Barea of Madagascar in the quarterfinal clash.

Ghana vs. Tunisia

Ghana topped their group thanks to a final group F victory against Guinea-Bissau. They had drawn their first two games 2 – 2 against Benin and goalless against Cameroon.

Tunisia placed second in Group E after three drawn games with Mali, Mauritania and Angola. They were the only north African country that failed to win a match in the group games.

Egypt, Morocco and Algeria won all their group fixtures without conceding in the process. Egypt has since been kicked out by South Africa and Morocco by Benin.

The Tunisians will look to being the second North African side after Algeria qualifies on Sunday evening with a 3 – 0 victory over Guinea.

Ivory Coast beats Mali to set up Algeria date

A Wilfred Zaha strike on the 76th minute was all the Elephants of ivory Coast needed to book their place in the quarterfinals of the AFCON. They eliminated Mali by the result.

They will now face Algeria who qualified for the last eight on Sunday after beating Guinea by three goals to nil.

Mali had overturned a first half possession dominance by the Ivorians but failed to convert their chances.

The first half saw an even amount of exchanges by way of possession. 51% to the Ivorians as against 49% for the Malians. But Ivory Coast are through.

Tournament record wise: Mali topped their group with seven points (two wins and a draw) with a total of six goals. The Ivorians lost a game and won two scoring five goals en route.

Final day for quarter final hunt

Mali and Ivory Coast will play in an all West Africa fixture in Suez, whiles Ghana take on Tunisia in Ismailia.

Winners of the Suez fixture will book a quarter final clash with Algeria whiles winner in Ismailia faces Madagascar in the next game.

Mali vs. Ivory Coast

Mali are yet to record a loss having won two and drawn one in the group stages. Wins over Mauritania and Angola and a draw with Tunisia.

On the other hand, Ivory Coast qualified to this stage winning two (Namibia, South Africa) and losing to Algeria.

It’s a battle of the first place finisher (Mali) and second-place finisher (Ivory Coast). Mali will be chasing their first AFCON trophy with Ivory Coast chasing their third.

#AFCON2019 GROUP A officially “wiped out” #WarriorsShall ZIM, out after group games
Three others lost in round-of-16#ThePharaohs EGY topped group, lost to #BafanaBafana #UgandaCranes UGA 2nd in group, lost to #TerangaLions #LesLeopards DRC 3rd in group, lost to #Alefabarea pic.twitter.com/rDR16BQc2A

— Alfa Shaban (@AlfaAfrican) July 7, 2019

A night to forget, remember – hosts, holders crash out

Day two of the knockout rounds cooked up the biggest shock of the tournament so far as the holders (Cameroon) and hosts (Egypt) were kicked out of the competition.

Not so much surprise for the holders who were edged out by neighbours Nigeria in a match that ended 3 – 2 allowing the Nigerians to proceeds to the quarter-finals.

66’ – Iwobi gives Nigeria the lead, turned out to be the winner
64’ – Ighlo’s second restores parity
44’ – Bahoken puts the indomitable Lions in front
41’ – Njie equalizes for Cameroon
19’ – Ighalo gives Nigeria the lead

The story of how South Africa’s Bafana Bafana engineered a win against Egypt is one of the episodes to remember in AFCON history. The bookmakers had long projected a win for the Pharaohs – but the Bafana Bafana had other ideas.

A late goal Thembinkosi Lorch; and a nervy hold on to the final minutes allowed the South AFricans who finished third in their group with only one win to set up a date with Nigeria.

Done and dusted.
Egypt players slump in disbelief after they were stunned by BafanaBafana before a sell out crowd at Cairo International Stadium last night.
Bafana Bafana next meet Nigeria on 10 July. #AFCON2019 pic.twitter.com/xwomRATGWk

— Bafana Bafana (BafanaBafana) July 7, 2019

Thembinkosi Lorch; Toast of the Nation

1st AFCON appearance and with a BIG, BIG goal ⚽️#EGYRSA #TotalAFCON2019 pic.twitter.com/R0ODzty95t

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) July 7, 2019

The goal by Thembinkosi Lorch that silenced the whole of Egypt #AFCON2019 pic.twitter.com/5gmiQDiu8T

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) July 6, 2019

Major statistics and facts from Group Stage action

All West Africa quarterfinal clash

From Dakar down to Cotonou, all is set for the first quarterfinal fixture at the AFCON. It’s Senegal vs. Benin.

The two ECOWAS members will however put aside their regional ties and neighbourliness for “hostilities” on the field as they chase a semi-final place.

For the Senegalese, it will be chasing a first AFCON title whiles for Benin, it will be more of chasing more history.

Being in the quarterfinal is a historic feat as the furthest they have gone in the tournament is the Group Stages. Beating Morocco on July 5 is one of the biggest victories they have secured.

It is also one of the upsets of the current tournament coming perhaps after the feat Madagascar chalked over Nigeria.

Senegal on the other hand have put behind them a loss to Algeria which sandwiched wins against Kenya and Tanzania before eliminating Uganda. They have beaten three East African teams by a goal (Uganda), two goals (Kenya) and three goals (Tanzania).

Uganda fall to Senegal, set up Benin clash

The Cranes of Uganda fell to the Teranga Lions of Senegal in the second round-of-16 fixture at the tournament.

In a battle of the second placed teams Uganda (second Group A) and Senegal (Second Group C), Liverpool forward Sadio Mane scored his third goal of the tournament to put the Lions ahead.

GOOOOAAAL | S. MANE scores a goal for Senegal. Uganda – Senegal 0-1 #TotalAFCON2019 #UGASEN pic.twitter.com/F6dDR26rLc

— CAF (@CAF_Online) July 5, 2019

Morocco upstaged by Benin

Morocco are the first North African side to be kicked out of the tournament after losing on penalties to Benin in Cairo on Friday night.

In the first round-of-16 fixture, they were taken to extra time by the Squirrels and beaten on penalties.

The first half ended goalless before Benin took a shock lead on the 54th minute through Adilehou. The Moroccans hit back on the 76th minute through En-Nesyri.

It is the first time the north Africans have conceded in the tournament after an unblemished group stage triple victory. Benin, meanwhile qualified after managing a third place finish in Group F.

⚡️ “AFCON 2019: Benin gets praise on Twitter after eliminating Morocco”https://t.co/Epd1D79CYm

— Alfa Shaban (@AlfaAfrican) July 5, 2019

Round of 16 action: Video Preview

LIST: Round of 16 pairings

July 5: Uganda vs. Senegal in Cairo
July 5: Morocco vs. Benin in Cairo
July 6: Egypt vs. South Africa in Cairo
July 6: Nigeria vs. Cameroon in Alexandria
July 7: Madagascar vs. DR Congo in Alexandria
July 7: Algeria vs. Guinea in Cairo
July 8: Mali vs. Ivory Coast in Suez
July 8: Ghana vs. Tunisia in Ismailia

First round of AFCON 2019 group fixtures: Goals, facts etc. [Analysis]

Group stage and teams that qualified

Teams with “Q” indicate qualification in order of placement at end of final day fixtures.

GROUP A: Egypt (Q) – DR Congo (Q) – Uganda (Q) – Zimbabwe
GROUP B: Madagascar (Q) – Nigeria (Q) – Guinea (Q) – Burundi
GROUP C: Algeria (Q) – Senegal (Q) – Tanzania – Kenya
GROUP D: Morocco (Q) – Ivory Coast (Q) – South Africa (Q) – Namibia
GROUP E: Mali (Q) – Tunisia (Q) – Angola – Mauritania
GROUP F: Ghana (Q) – Cameroon (Q) – Benin (Q) – Guinea-Bissau

The fixture list you've all been waiting for. ?

Here's how the tournament tree looks, with all round of 16 teams drawn.#TotalAFCON2019 pic.twitter.com/OYSqeYuPAm

— CAF (@CAF_Online) July 2, 2019

Final Group E games [Full Time]

In Group E, Angola took on Mali while tournament debutants Mauritania played against Tunisia. Mali topped the group with seven points, having won their match against Mauritania and drawn against Tunisia before beating Angola.

Tunisia and Angola need at least one point to stand a chance of progressing to the knockout stage, while Mauritania must win if they hope to join fellow debutants Madagascar in the last 16.

Angola vs. Mali

37’ – Haidara gives Mali the lead against Angola, turned out to be the only goal of the game. Itsecured Mali’s top spot in the group.

Mauritania vs. Tunisia ended goalless which result favoured the North African side as Angola was bundled out with two points along with debutants Mauritania.

The group stage is officially over, and here's Group E.

Mali and Tunisia qualify, as Angola and Mauritania bid farewell to #TotalAFCON2019 from the group stage. pic.twitter.com/XyiAn34NXB

— CAF (@CAF_Online) July 2, 2019

Ghana beats Guinea-Bissau, Benin holds Cameroon

It was a goalless first half in the two Group F games in Egypt as Guinea-Bissau held Ghana whiles Benin also continued to defy holders Cameroon.

Just on resumption of the game ‘second half), Ghana took the lead against their fellow West African opponents.

46’ – Jordan Ayew puts the Black Stars ahead.
72’ – Midfielder Thomas Partey sealed the result and Ghana’s qualification to the next round.

Ghana drew their first two games 2 – 2 against Benin and 0 – 0 against Cameroon. Jordan scored one of the two goals against Benin, his elder brother Andre Ayew got the other.

Despite dominating the game, the defending champions Cameroon failed to convert any of their chances into goals as the Squirrels of Benin held them to a draw.

Cameroon had beaten Guinea-Bissau in the first game 2 – 0 before the draw with Ghana. The other game between Benin and Guinea-Bissau also ended goalless.

? | After the group stages farewell?..Here's how Group F's chart looks like?#TotalAFCON2019 pic.twitter.com/QilVuayV29

— CAF (@CAF_Online) July 2, 2019

All teams can qualify

Ahead of the last group games at AFCON 2019, all teams in Groups E and Group F can still qualify.

In Group E, Angola take on Mali while tournament debutants Mauritania play against Tunisia. Mali top the group with four points, having won their match against Mauritania and drawn against Tunisia. Tunisia and Angola need at least one point to stand a chance of progressing to the knockout stage, while Mauritania must win if they hope to join fellow debutants Madagascar in the last 16.

In Group F, Benin and Ghana need at least a draw in their last group games, while Guinea-Bissau must win to avoid elimination. Holders Cameroon take on second-placed Benin, while Ghana, who have played out two draws so far will be looking for maximum points against Guinea Bissau.

All set for final games in Groups E and F

Groups C action: Senegal vs. Kenya, Algeria vs. Tanzania

At full time in final games in Group C, Kenya despite defying tournament favourites Senegal throughout the first half of the match finally conceded in the 63rd minute going on to lose by three goals to nil.

Algeria, meanwhile won three – nil over Tanzania. Algeria thus makes a perfect group appearance with maximum nine points and a clean sheet in all three games. Only hosts Egypt and Morocco have a similar record.

The Kenya – Senegal clash was very important because it held the key to who comes second in the group. The emphatic win means the West Africans qualify into the second round with a second place finish.

Kenya vs. Senegal

63’ – Sarr puts Senegal ahead against Harambee Stars
72’ – Mane scores
78’ – Mane converts a penalty, will he be the first AFCON hattrick hero?

Algeria vs. Tanzania

35’ – Slimani gets the first for the Les Verts
40’ Ounas gets a second
45’ extra time – Ounas bags third goal for Algeria, his second. Can he get AFCON’s first hattrick? He could not as he was subbed for Mahrez on 74th minute.

Adam Ounas is in 7th heaven ☁️#TANALG #TotalAFCON2019 pic.twitter.com/QdBJeVeznP

— CAF (@CAF_Online) July 1, 2019

Groups D action: LIVE updates

Ivory Coast is currently leading Namibia by a four goals to one. If they hold on to the lead and win, they will end second in the group with six points.

40’ – Max Gradel strike gives Les Elephants the lead.
58’ – Serey doubles the lead
84’ – Zaha adds a third
89’ Cornet puts icing on the result

71’ – Kamatuka pulls one back for Namibia

South African hearts were broken as Morocco scored late in their fixture. The north Africans ended up top of the group and with a perfect point aggregate. Nine points from three games and yet to concede a goal – same as Egypt.

.FIFCI_tweet qualify alongside FRMFOFFICIEL from Group D, as #AtlasLions become only the second team after Egypt to qualify with a 100% record without conceding a single goal.BafanaBafana await their fate, and may yet qualify as a best third. #TotalAFCON2019 pic.twitter.com/maK2OmCW78

— CAF (CAF_Online) July 1, 2019

Match Day 11: Final games for Groups C and D

Aside Algeria (Group C) and Morocco (Group D), there are qualification slots for grabs between the other six teams across both groups.

Senegal will face Kenya while Tanzania who lost their two earlier matches come up against leaders, Algeria.

Group D, the 1 – nil group where the previous four games have recorded 1 – 0 victories, Morocco face South Africa whiles Ivory Coast take on Namibia. Morocco has six points, South Africa and Ivory Coast have three each and Namibia has zero.

End of Group A final fixtures, Egypt tops

Egypt secured top spot in Group A becoming the only side so far to have earned full points in all three games and yet to concede a goal while doing so.

They beat Uganda by two goals to nil in a fixture whose winner was sure to top the group. At the end of the day it took two goals from Salah and ElMohamady to seal the points.

36’ – Mohamed Salah opens the scoring for the hosts.
45’ extra time – ElMohamady doubles the lead for Egypt

The Pharaohs had earlier won both games against Zimbabwe and the DRC. A loss would have seen Uganda top the group with seven points. The Cranes eventually won, drew and lost one each. But the four points earned them qualification to the next round.

⚡️ E L E C T R I C ⚡️ #ThePharaohs #TotalAFCON2019 pic.twitter.com/N17gnTbrfg

— CAF (@CAF_Online) June 30, 2019

Congo ends on a high – with slim chances of qualification

Zimbabwe and the DRC faced off in the other game of the group. The Leopards put forth a convincing performance that saw them hit four past Zimbabwe’s Warriors.

DRC started off with a 2 – 0 loss to Uganda in what was seen as a shock result. They lost by the same scoreline to hosts Egypt. The four goals earned them three points but they have to wait to see if that could qualify them to the round of 16 as one of the best third placed teams.

4’ Bolingi strikes very early on in the game
34’ Bakambu scores second
65’ Bakambu bags a brace with a penalty kick
78’ Assombalonga ends any hopes of a Zimbabwe revival

? | Group A has concluded and it looks like this…Pharaohs and UgandaCranes have qualified – fecofa_kinshasa await their fate as other groups' final matches unravel. #TotalAFCON2019 pic.twitter.com/5GYAOpbmMR

— CAF (CAF_Online) June 30, 2019

Madagascar shocks Nigeria to top Group B

Madagascar recorded the biggest upset of the AFCON today beating two times champions Nigeria in the final Group B game. They ended up topping the group with Nigeria coming second.

Guinea also beat Burundi by two goals to nil to end with four points. The Syli Nationale will likely make it into the next round as a third-best team.

12’: L. Nomenjanahary scored the first goal for Madagascar. Nigeria pressed for an equalizer but the Malagasy held on till end of first half.

After the recess, Madagascar doubled their lead with a free kick on the 52nd minute thanks to C. Andrea. They held on to the two-goal lead to the amazement of most soccer fans.

In the case of the Guinea – Burundi game, the Burundians had a horrible start to the game when they were reduced to 10 men after Nduwarugira Christophe was red carded in the 12th minute.

The Guineans got their first goal through M. Yattara in the 25th minute. He doubled the lead in the second half on the 52nd minute mark.

Both games were being played at the same time. Burundi vs. Guinea in Cairo and Nigeria vs. Madagascar in Alexandria.

This is how GROUP B ended after final day of matches:

Madagascar – 7pts (+3)
Nigeria – 6pts (+0)
Guinea – 4pts (+1)
Burundi – 0pts (-4)

Preview: Matchday 11

There are places in the knockout stages up for grabs as final group games are honoured in Groups A and B in Egypt.

The big match is in Group A where the hosts Egypt have to avoid defeat in their match against Uganda if they are to top the group. They have won the first two games against Zimbabwe and DR Congo 1 – 0, 2 – 0 respectively.

The Cranes of Uganda have four points from a win against DRC and a draw against Zimbabwe. They will be eying a top spot and could prove a headache for the hosts.

Zimbabwe have it all to do if they want to have a chance of making it to the next stage but DRC will have some reservations as they will also look to end the group phase on a high by putting behind them the two earlier losses.

Group B fixtures which actually kick off earlier has a Nigeria that has already booked qualification coming up against debutants Madagascar who have won a game against fellow debutants Burundi, they drew their first game with Guinea.

Guinea with a point will look to heap misery on Burundi. A loss today will mean they have lost all three games in their first AFCON outing. With the possibility of a third-place team making the knockout, there is all to play for.

The battle ground for today’s game looks more beautiful than ever! ??#TotalAFCON2019 #NGAMDA pic.twitter.com/NlWZndcgaG

— CAF (@CAF_Online) June 30, 2019

Results you need to keep an eye on

GROUP E
Mauritania vs. Angola: 0 – 0
Tunisia vs. Mali: 1 – 1

Ahead of last games in this group, only Mali have secured a win in their first game. The draw with Tunisia means they have secured a place in the knockout phase.

GROUP F
Ghana vs. Cameroon: 0 – 0
Benin vs. Guinea Bissau: 0 – 0

Ahead of last games in this group, only holders Cameroon have secured a win in their victory against Guinea Bissau. The draw with Ghana means they have secured a place in the knockout phase.

Preview: Matchday 10

Mauritania will take on Angola in Group E, and the tournament debutants will be hoping to earn their first points at the tournament. Mauritania lost their first match to Mali, while Angola held Tunisia to a 1-1 draw.

In Group F, defending champions Cameroon will take on Ghana, while Benin who held the Black Stars to a 2-2 draw in the first match, will play against Guinea Bissau.

Action from Day 9

June 28: South Africa vs Namibia

Namibia are now on the brink of elimination, while South Africa have kept their hopes of progressing to the next stage alive. Namibia’s Brave Warriors must now win their last group game against Ivory Coast while South Africa will hope for at the very least a draw against group leaders Morocco.

68’ Bongani Zungu scores to give Bafana Bafana the lead.

June 28: Morocco vs Ivory Coast

Morocco have done enough to qualify for the knockout stage, while Ivory Coast will need to win their last game against South Africa to avoid elimination.

23’ Youssef En-Nesyri scores to give the Atlas Lions the lead.

June 28: Mali vs Tunisia

Tunisia settles for yet another draw, as Mali retain their top spot in Group E with four points from two games. Mauritania will take on Angola in the other Group E match on Saturday.

70’ Wahbi Khazri equalises for Tunisia.

62’ Mali take the lead through an own goal.

⚡️ “Swahili Derby: Kenya 'beating' Tanzania online after on-field victory”https://t.co/P2O6aHGJ3k

— africanews (@africanews) June 28, 2019

Preview: Match Day 9

On Match Day 9, there is full action in Group D with a match in Group E kicking off the day’s action.

Ivory Coast and Morocco – with three AFCON titles between them – take their respective first victories into today’s top liner for who could potentially top the group.

A place is secured for the winner as the two first game losers also square off. Namibia and South Africa is a southern African derby that will also give a good pointer to who could potentially knick a third place finish and progress.

Tunisia will hope to put behind a disappointing draw with Angola as they come up against Mali. The West Africans who have scored the highest number of goals in a single match so far will hope to wrap up qualification with a win.

MATCHDAY 9 at #AFCON2019 #CarthageEagles vs. #LesAigles #atlaslions vs. #LesElephants ??#BafanaBafana vs. #BraveWarriors – southern African derby#FootballTogether #TotalAFCON2019 pic.twitter.com/ihbax3gvGA

— Alfa Shaban (@AlfaAfrican) June 28, 2019

Photos from Day 8

June 27: Kenya vs Tanzania

Kenya has done enough to earn their first win at AFCON 2019. They are now level with Senegal, who they face in the last group game.

Tanzania’s chances of progressing to the next stage are now very slim, and they will need to win against Algeria to stand a chance of progressing.

80’ Olunga scores his second goal of the night and gives Kenya the lead for the first time tonight.

62’ Johanna Omolo equalises for Kenya.

40’ Mbwana Aly Sematta restores Tanzania’s lead.

39’ Michael Olunga equalises for the Harambee Stars.

7’ Saimon Msuva scores after a brilliant Tanzania counter-attack.

June 27: Senegal vs Algeria

Algeria wins the battle of tournament favorites against Sadio Mane’s Senegal. Algeria joins Egypt and Nigeria in the knockout stages.

49’ Youcef Belaili smashes in a low shot to give the Algerians the lead a few minutes after the break.

June 27: Madagascar vs Burundi

Madagascar wins the battle of AFCON debutants, registering their first win and moving to four points. They are now in prime position to qualify for the knockout stage, while Burundi have to win their last game against Guinea to stand a chance.

76’ Marco Ilaimaharitra scores to give Madagascar the lead.

June 27: Day 8 fixtures

Madagascar will play Burundi in the other Group B fixture, as they will both be hoping to do enough to join group leaders Nigeria in the last 16.

Madagascar played out a 2-2 draw in their first game against Guinea while Burundi put on a brave performance to lose by a single goal to Nigeria.

In Group C, its a clash of tournament favorites as Senegal take on Algeria. Both teams won their opening games against Tanzania and Kenya respectively.

The two East African teams will be hoping to earn their first points when they play in the other Group C encounter.

#AFCON2019 MATCH DAY POLL
Winners from first round of Group C games square up today.
Will it be a second win for Mahrez-led #LesVerts of Mane-led #TerangaLions?
A place in the knockout is at stake. #TotalAFCON2019 #FootballTogether

— africanews (@africanews) June 27, 2019

Photos from Day 7

June 26: Egypt vs DR Congo

Egypt have done enough to qualify for the knockout stages while the 0-2 loss leaves DR Congo on the brink of elimination.

The Leopards now have to beat Zimbabwe in their last game at the group stage and hope to finish with a better record than other at least two other third placed teams.

43’ Mohamed Salah open his goal tally at AFCON 2019 to double Egypt’s lead.

25’ Ahmed Elmohamady scores to give Egypt the lead.

June 26: Uganda vs Zimbabwe

After a tense 90 minutes, both teams settle for a 1-1 draw. Uganda still leads Group A with 4 points, while Zimbabwe has earned its first point at the tournament.

40’ Billiat equalises for the Warriors.

12’ Emmanuel Okwi puts Uganda ahead.

June 26: Nigeria vs Guinea

Nigeria makes it two wins out of two matches, and becomes the first team to qualify for the Round of 16.

74’ Kenneth Omeruo scores to give Nigeria the lead.

June 26: Facts from Group A first round action

Number of wins (same as number of losses) = Two
Number of draws = Zero
Number of goals = Three
Goal scorers = M. Trezeguet (Egypt), Emmanuel Okwi, Patrick Kaddu (Uganda)

Here's how the first round of games for Group A went…????????

What do you predict for round 2? ? #TotalAFCON2019 pic.twitter.com/W5jQq8M6ac

— CAF (@CAF_Online) June 26, 2019

Facts after 12 games (round 1) of group games

Number of wins (same as number of losses) = Nine
Number of draws = Three
Number of goals = 27
Highest goal scoring team = Mali with four goals against Mauritania
Most goals per group = Group E with seven goals

June 26: Day 6 fixtures

Action will resume in Group A and Group B on Wednesday, now that all 24 teams at the tournament have had their opening matches.

In Group A, Uganda will take on Zimbabwe while hosts Egypt face Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Uganda and Egypt will be seeking their second wins at the tournament, while DRC and Zimbabwe will be hoping to earn their first points.

In Group B, Nigeria who narrowly won against Burundi in the first match, will take on Guinea who have been rejuvenated by the return of Naby Keita.

June 25: Results from Day 5 fixtures

Cameroon (2) vs Guinea Bissau (0)
Ghana (2) vs Benin (2)

June 25: Ghana vs Benin

Benin pull off a surprise 2-2 draw against a Ghanaian side that was reduced to ten men.

63’ Pote scores again to equalise for Benin.

54’ John Boye receives a second yellow card and is sent off.

42’ The Ghanaians take the lead through Jordan Ayew

9’ Andre Ayew equalises for the Black Stars

2’ Mickael Pote shocks Ghana with an early goal.

June 25: Cameroon vs Guinea Bissau

And the defending champions start off their campaign with a positive 2-0 win against Guinea Bissau; Up next is Ghana against Benin.

69’ Stephane Bahoken who came on for Sutchuin Djoum doubles Cameroon’s lead.

66’ Yaya Banana scores from a corner to give the defending champions the lead.

June 25: Day 5 fixtures

Today will see two matches honoured at the Ismailia Stadium in Egypt with the defending champions kick starting their in the early game against Guinea Bissau.

Two years ago in Gabon, the indomitable Lions under the guidance of Hugo Broos defied predictions by beating Egypt in the final. They are now under the tutelage of ex Dutch international Clarence Seedorf.

A payment row meant that they were the last team to arrive in Egypt for the tournament. They had been locked up in talks with government even when the tournament was underway. It remains to be seen how that will affect their performance against a Guinea-Bissau side they are expected to beat.

The final group fixture will be an all West African affair as Ghana play Benin. A fun fact of the group is that all the countries have the same colours constituting their flags.

Red – Yellow – Green. The arrangement and colour placement differs with Benin the only country without a star. Ghana and Guinea-Bissau have black flags whiles Cameroon has a yellow flag.

Group F, call it the Red – Yellow – Green flag group will wrap up Day One of the preliminary stage.

Top facts about Group F

June 24: Results from Day 4 fixtures

Ivory Coast (1) vs South Africa (0)
Tunisia (1) vs Angola (1)
Mali (4) vs Mauritania (1)

Mali vs Mauritania

Mali secures an emphatic victory against tournament debutants, Madagascar, earning AFCON 2019’s biggest win so far.

73’ Mali’s second Adama Traore scores who came on for his namesake scores Mali’s fourth goal.

72’ Moctar Sidi El Hacen scores from the penalty spot to score Mauritania’s first goal in AFCON history.

55’ Adama Traore scores to stretch Mali’s lead.

45’ Moussa Marega doubles Mali’s lead, scoring from the penalty spot.

37’ Abdoulaye Diaby scores to give Mali the lead.

June 24: Tunisia vs Angola

After 90 minutes, Tunisia and Angola share the spoils (1-1), earning a point each. More action from Group E follows shortly, as Mali take on debutants Mauritania.

73’ Abel Campos equalises for Angola

34’ Youssef Msakni gives Tunisia the lead through a penalty

June 24: Ivory Coast vs South Africa

It’s all over. The Ivorians start their campaign with a 1-0 victory, at the expense of South Africa.Ivory Coast now jointly top Group D with Morocco, with three points apiece.

64’ Jonathan Kodjia scores to give the Ivorians the lead against Bafana Bafana.

June 24: Day 3 fixtures

With Morocco’s victory against Namibia, Ivory Coast will be up against South Africa for the final Group D fixture today in Cairo.

The action will turn fully to Group E where Tunisia and Angola square off after which the all West Africa affair will see debutants Mauritania play Mali.

Burundi – another debutant – lost their Group B opener against Nigeria whiles debutants Madagascar had lots of positives to take in their 2 – 2 draw with Guinea in the same group.

Ivory Coast vs. South Africa (Al Salam Stadium, Cairo)
Tunisia vs. Angola (Suez Army Stadium, Suez)
Mali vs. Mauritania (Suez Army Stadium, Suez)

June 23: Results from Day 4 fixtures

Algeria vs. Kenya 2 – 0
Senegal vs. Tanzania 2 – 0
Morocco vs. Namibia 1 – 0

June 23: Senegal secures full marks against Tanzania

Tanzania’s Taifa Stars failed to shine in their return to the AFCON when the Ternaga Lions of Senegal proved too strong for them in their first fixture at the tournament.

Two goals – one in each half – ensured that Aliou Cisse’s charges secured three points. The goals were scored by Balde (28’) and a screamer by Diatta (65’).

Diatta was named man of the match in a game that analysts say underlines the potential of the Senegalese team as potential contenders for the trophy.

It was a game with two African coaches, Senegal’s Cisse and Tanzania’s Emmanuel Amunike but at the end of proceedings, it was Cisse who took home the three points.

STATS | Check out the full-time stats! Which team had the better overall performance? #TotalAFCON2019 #SENTAN pic.twitter.com/1ck2lK8KYP

— CAF (@CAF_Online) June 23, 2019

June 23: Namibian hearts broken by own goal

The Atlas Lions of Morocco could only count on an own goal to secure three points against Namibia on Sunday in their Group D fixture at the Al Salam Stadium in Cairo.

When Keimuine hit the ball past his own goalie in the 89th minute, Moroccans celebrated but for a resolute Namibian side, it was a case of heartbreak on Day 1 of their return to the AFCON.

Two Group C matches are expected later as Senegal take on Tanzania and Algeria face off with Kenya.

Group C and D with their first☝️ matches ⚽️

Take a look at fixtures?

Now you can share your score prediction on this link ?to win a prize!!?https://t.co/MWj47tqAZS#TotalAFCON2019 pic.twitter.com/jto0ZyO9Ed

— CAF (@CAF_Online) June 23, 2019

June 22: Results from Day 2

Uganda vs. DR Congo 2 – 0
Nigeria vs. Burundi 1 – 0
Guinea vs. Madagascar 2 – 2

June 22: Uganda vs Democratic Republic of Congo

It’s over. Uganda scores two goals, earns three points and takes the top slot in Group A.

48’ Emmanuel Okwi doubles Uganda’s lead.

16’ Patrick Kaddu has given Uganda the lead in the 16th minute, scoring with a header from a corner kick.

The battle of the defences might decide this clash, as Uganda Mamelodi Sundown’s goalkeeper Denis Onyango and DRC’s defender Arthur Masuaku who plays for West Ham will be some of the stars to watch.

Dressing rooms in check?✅

#CODUGA #TotalAFCON2019 pic.twitter.com/mxzz8c0vLD

— CAF (@CAF_Online) June 22, 2019

June 22: Nigeria vs Burundi

Nigeria’s Super Eagles who have won the Africa Cup of Nations three times are facing tournament debutants Burundi.

Burundi will be hoping to upset the Nigerians led by Arsenal forward Alex Iwobi, and continue a fairytale that saw them qualify for AFCON for the first time.

It's edging closer….. ? #NGABDI #TotalAFCON2019 pic.twitter.com/fgG9o8Skf0

— CAF (@CAF_Online) June 22, 2019

Guinea vs Madagascar

At 20:00 hours GMT, Guinea will take on Madagascar, who are also featuring at Africa’s continental showpiece for the first time. All eyes will be on Liverpool’s star midfielder Naby Keita, who might play for the first time since he got injured in a Champions League semi-final against Barcelona in May.

June 21: Upcoming matches

Tomorrow, DR Congo take on Uganda to complete matchday one in Group A, Egypt are tops now with three points and a goal.

Over in Group B, two-time champions, Nigeria take on Burundi and Guinea face debutants Madagascar.

Key facts and figures about Group B

June 21: Egypt win cagey opener

Hosts Egypt recorded a slim victory against Zimbabwe in the opening fixture of the African Cup of Nations, AFCON, which kicked off in the Egyptian capital Cairo on Friday.

The first half strike came on the 41st minute mark through Mahmoud Trezeguet after a series of attacking waves on the Zimbabweans.

The Zimbabweans had their goalie Edward Sibanda to thank for thwarting the initial Egyptian inroads even as the Brave Warriors also carved out moments of brilliance threatening the hosts during exchanges.

Mahmoud Trezeguet is so far the only player who has scored in the 2019 AFCON tournament. #KawowoUpdates #AFCON2019 #EGYZIM pic.twitter.com/3sfSbs1Duh

— Kawowo Sports (@kawowosports) June 21, 2019

Top facts and figures about Group A