Today’s AFCON matches kick off the third week, starting with a clash between Namibia and Zimbabwe from Group J. These two teams, currently at the bottom of the group, will be looking to take advantage of their rivals facing off, hoping to climb higher in the standings. Zimbabwe managed to keep a clean sheet in the first two weeks but failed to score themselves. After two consecutive 0-0 draws, they stand at 2 points. If they can secure a win against Namibia, who have lost both of their matches, Zimbabwe could find themselves with a chance to compete for the group lead.
Another match of the third week sees Cape Verde face Botswana. Egypt, who have a much stronger squad compared to the other teams in Group C, have already pulled ahead. Cape Verde, currently in second place, defeated Mauritania 2-0. If they manage to beat bottom-placed Botswana, they will gain a significant advantage in securing a top-two finish. While Cape Verde is the favorite in this match, anything can happen in football.
In Group F, Ghana is considered the favorite, despite only having earned 1 point from their first two games. Their opponent, Sudan, sits in second place with 3 points, but Ghana boasts stars like Issahaku Fatawu, Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Kudus, and Alexander Djiku, making them a dangerous side.
Meanwhile, in Group H, Congo will face off against Tanzania. Having already beaten Ethiopia and Guinea, Congo will be looking to continue their winning streak. However, Tanzania remains unbeaten in the group stages, making this a tougher match than expected.
In Group E, Algeria has been dominating. If they can win their match against Togo, they will all but guarantee qualification from the group. As one of the tournament’s strongest teams, Algeria may opt for rotation and rest key players in preparation for the knockout stages if they secure the win.
Finally, in the last match of the day, Burkina Faso takes on Burundi. Group L has been one of the most competitive so far, making any potential victory in this match crucial for either team. Burkina Faso is seen as the favorite, but the competition has been tight in this group.