CAF the football governing body of the continent announced the postponement of the AFCON qualifiers after the world was hit by the Coronavirus. Competitive football resumes in November and participating nations are facing various issues as there is only one month to prepare to contend.
Uganda and South Sudan
Uganda and South Sudan are in Group B, Uganda leading the group with 4 points and South Sudan at the bottom with no points. South Sudan’s Bright Stars has lined up a friendly match against Cameroon on October 10th, 2020 at the Yaounde Omnisport Stadium in Cameroon. The government announced a resumption of sports activities in the country and the Bright Stars have been training at the Baluk playground in Juba, on the contrary, opponent Uganda Cranes has planned a 9 days training camp in Dubai. Uganda Cranes coach believes that camp will allow quality time on the field with the team meets the requirements of the squad in various ways.
Uganda and South Sudan will contend with each other on 9th November (Uganda Vs South Sudan) and 17th November (South Sudan Vs Uganda).
Burundi and Tanzania
After 2 matches played in the qualifiers, Burundi stands at the bottom in Group E with 0 points whereas Tanzania is second with 3 points in Group J. The two neighbouring countries have agreed to play a friendly match on October 11 in Dar es Salaam at Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium. Burundi and Tanzania have already started their new local league campaigns whilst other East African countries facing problems re-opening sports.
Burundi’s Intamba Mu Rugumba will face Mauritania on 9th November (Mauritania Vs Burundi) and the return leg on 17th November. Tanzania’s Taiffa Stars will travel to Tunisia on 11th November (Tunisia Vs Tanzania) and 17th November (Tanzania Vs Tunisia).
Zambia And Zimbabwe
Both teams are in Group H with Zambia in 4th position with 0 points and Zimbabwe in 2nd position with points after 2 matches played each. Zambia have secured a friendly match with South Africa’s Bafana Bafana during the FIFA International window and another one with Kenya’s Harambee Stars on 13th October in Lusaka. Zimbabwe Football Association received an invitation from Nairobi to play the Harambee Stars but are yet to respond to the request.
Zambia face Botswana on 9th November at home and 17th November away and Zimbabwe face Algeria on 9th November away and 17th November at home.
