2019 AFCON Qualifiers: (Weekend Report) Bafana floors Seychelles, Ighalo hatrick & more

Matchday 3 of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers is well behind us now and it didn’t just depart without leaving some memories that will live forever.

Odion Ighalo of Nigeria the International Friendly between England and Nigeria at Wembley Stadium on June 2, 2018 in London, England.

(June 1, 2018 - Source: Clive Rose/Getty Images Europe)

The South African men’s national football team were the biggest entertainers of the weekend, scoring at will and showing off some quick pass attacking football against the Seychelles. It was the visitors who opened the scoring for Bafana in the 23rd minute as Nigel Hoareau unfortunately blasted a wondrous goal into his own net. After that, all hell broke loose for the Pirates. As the rain stopped, it started raining goals and the Southerners took turns scoring an assortment of goals - some from set pieces, with a number for them as a result of successive one touch passing, they call it shoe-shine piano at Mamelodi Sundowns. Tau, who plays from English Premier League side, Brighton on loan in Belgium was amongst the goals but the night belong to Lebo Mothiba. The 22-year-old forward who plays for the French Ligue 1 side RC Strasbourg assisted strike partner, Tau, for the fourth goal of the match in spectacular fashion after he had thumped in a rocket in the first half. He was always involved in the thick of the action and sure looks like an exciting prospect for Bafana. Stuart Baxter’s men now lie top of group E, above Nigeria and are on course to qualify for Cameroon 2019. Next up, they travel to Seychelles on Tuesday for the return fixture.

In the West, Nigeria were hostile hosts to the Mediterranean Knights of Libya running out as 4-0 winners on the day. Chinese Super League based forward, who was far from being impressive at the 2018 world cup for the Super Eagles, Odion Ighalo won some hearts. The 29-year-old bagged the first hatrick of his international career which sent him top of the scoring charts together with Zimbabwe’s Knowledge Musona who is also on four goals so far in the 2019 AFCON qualifiers tournament. Many Arsenal fans will be delighted to hear that Alex Iwobi continued his impressive club form as he controlled the game, also serving up a delightful assist for Ighalo’s second.

Zimbabwe's midfielder Kudakwashe Mahachi (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group B football match between Algeria and Zimbabwe in Franceville on January 15, 2017. / AFP / KHALED DESOUKI

(Jan. 14, 2017 - Source: AFP

Elsewhere, Zimbabwe stunned DR Congo in Kinshasa as they consolidated their position at the top of group G after a hard fought 2-1 win. Substitute, Bolasie pulled one back for the Leopards late on towards stoppage time but Ronald Pfumbidzayi’s strike coupled with Musona’s moment of brilliance had already done the damage. Zim’s neighbors, Botswana, look like they are effectively out of contention for the 2019 AFCON after suffering a 3-0 defeat in Burkina Faso leaving them rooted at the bottom of group I in which the trio of Mauritania, Angola and Burkina Faso are all on 3 points after 3 matches. The Malagasy people are on the verge of celebrating a historic event as the Madagascar national team moved a step closer to qualify for their maiden AFCON tournament after seeing off Equatorial Guinea, 1 - 0 away from home. Should Barea get a second over Equatorial Guinea in Madagascar on Tuesday and provided Senegal repeat the classy performance that earned them a 3-0 win over South Sudan, the two will effectively secure spots at the 2019 AFCON finals.

Tunisia still boast of a perfect record after beating Niger 1-0 in Tunis, Uganda saw off Lesotho 3-0, Namibia fought themselves back into contention beating Mozambique 2-1 from behind, away from home and Morocco narrowly edged Comoros 1-0.

Stay tuned for matchday 4 as the return legs for matchday 3 come to our screens with a few nations eyeing early qualification. Two teams from each group will earn spots at the first 24-team AFCON to run from the 15th of June to 13th July in Cameroon. Who are you rooting for?

Here is a list of the full results, tables and upcoming fixtures.

“As the rain stopped, it started raining goals and the Southerners took turns scoring an assortment of goals - some from set pieces, with a number for them as a result of successive one-touch passing, they call it shoe-shine piano at Mamelodi Sundowns.”

— Dennis Takaendea, FirstTouch Africa

2019 AFCON Qualifiers: Nigeria prey on group leaders Libya

Alex Iwobi of Nigeria during the International Friendly match between England and Nigeria at Wembley Stadium on June 2, 2018 in London, England.

(June 1, 2018 - Source: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images Europe)

Things will get heated in the men’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers over the next couple of days. We are spoiled with two legged fixtures (matchday 3 and 4) for all the participants with the first leg coming to our screens as early as Wednesday, 10th of October and the final matches of the second legs finishing one week later. This means that a crucial six points is up for grabs for all teams and also at risk of slipping away. Let’s look at some of the leading narratives leading into the much anticipated fixtures. No better place to start than in the West, where the 2018 FIFA World Cup participant seeks to take control of group E.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria had a rough start to their qualifying campaign as they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat to South Africa at home. Consequently, they find themselves heading into the Libya tie on third place with just 3 points bagged after humiliating lowly ranked Seychelles to a 3-0 thrashing in Victoria on matchday two. Only two teams will secure qualification for the 24-team finals scheduled to be held in Cameroon 2019  and Gernot Rohr’s men will be looking to get two over table topping Libya. The first match will be on Friday in Kaduna City, Nigeria and the return following just two days later on Monday.

At least one victory for the West Africans is fancied by neutrals as the 2012 AFCON champions are looking more fortified with the likes of high flying English Premier League based, Isaac Success returning to the squad and 22-year-old Alex Iwobi who has been one of Arsenal’s marvels under Unai Emery. The “governor” Ahmed Musa who has scored 3 goals in 3 appearances for Saudi Arabian side, Al Nassr will most likely captain the side in the absence of veteran John Obi Mikel who has been “excused” after picking up an injury in the Chinese Super League. Notable players also include young forward, Henry Onyekuru and world cup midfield specialist, Etebo who plays for Stoke City in the English Championship. Things are not looking well for Libya who have had their head coach, Adel Amrouche resigning over claims of unpaid wages and unhappiness amongst players over his methods, perhaps tipping the odds even more in favor of the Super Eagles. But as proven on matchday 2, odds really mean nothing in an AFCON qualifier.

Here is Nigeria’s full squad for the Libya clash:

Kevin Akpoguma (L) of Germany battles with Success Isaac (R) of Nigeria during the FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015 Round of 16 match between Germany and Nigeria at Christchurch Stadium on June 11, 2015 in Christchurch, New Zealand.

(June 10, 2015 - Source: Martin Hunter/Getty Images AsiaPac)

Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Elche FC/Spain), Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Enyimba, Nigeria), Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United/South Africa)

Defenders: Ola Aina (Torino FC/Italy), Abdullahi Shehu (Bursaspor FC/Turkey), Semi Ajayi (Rotherham United/England), Brian Idowu (Lokomotiv Moscow/Russia), Chidozie Awaziem (FC Porto/Portugal), William Ekong (Udinese FC/Italy), Leon Balogun (Brighton & Hove Albion/England), Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes/Spain), Jamilu Collins (SC Padeborn 07/Germany)

Midfielders: Ogenyi Onazi (Trabzonspor FC/Turkey), Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City/England), Oghenekaro Etebo (Stoke City FC/England), John Ogu (Hapoel Be'er Sheva/Israel)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Al Nassr FC/Saudi Arabia), Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City/England), Moses Simon (Levante FC/Spain), Henry Onyekuru (Galatasaray SK/Turkey), Odion Ighalo (Changchun Yatai/China), Alex Iwobi (Arsenal/England), Samuel Kalu (Bordeaux/France), Isaac Success (Watford/England)

Is Eredivisie's Top Footballer, Hakim Ziyech, the best African playmaker?

“Ziyech is a piece of jewellery for Dutch football.”

— Erik ten Hag, Ajax FC Manager

Most of the decorated African footballers over the years are “incidentally” forwards. I mean, it’s fair to recognise the fact that it’s easy to notice goal scorers because after all, football is about scoring goals. Think about, the legendary George Weah (the only African to have won the FIFA Ballon d’Or), Cameroon’s Roger Milla, Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto’o and even now, arguably the most celebrated names in Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are both forwards. Playmakers like Austin Jay Jay Okocha, “who was so good that they had to name him twice” are a rare find and one, Hakim Ziyech definitely falls in this category. Whether he is good enough to be mentioned amongst the above past and current legends is a debate on its own, but let’s talk about what the 2017 Netherlands Footballer of the Year offers.

Hakim Ziyech of Ajax in action during the UEFA Champions League Play-off 1st leg match between Ajax and Dynamo Kiev held at Johan Cruyff Arena on August 22, 2018 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

(Aug. 21, 2018 - Source: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Europe)

Playmaker definition fits Hakim

The above word is nothing perhaps just a clever term to describe an attacking midfielder that literally controls the midfield by beginning attacks, creating chances for the strikers and at times finishing the attacks as well. Playmakers are famously the rightful bearers of the coveted “number 10” shirt. At a high level, a striker’s job is putting the ball into the back of the net, we actually do not care how he/she does it. We ask of a defender to block the ball from entering into their own net, the same with the goalkeeper and we seldom do not care how they do it. But for playmakers, even in basketball just as in soccer- their first job is to be creative above anything else.

Hakim, whose arabic name means judge or ruler is definitely living up to his name-giver’s expectation by creatively exercising authority on the pitch. The Ajax playmaker’s body frame and demeanor fits that we have grown to associate with other household playmakers. His seemingly “lanky” structure is like that of Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil, Manchester United’s Juan Mata of course Lionel Messi who frequently adopts a similar role for his teams. Hakim is also left footed like these three with an eagle’s vision, able to pick out a pass anywhere on the pitch and possesses unusual dribbling abilities. The 25-year-old Moroccan international born and raised in the Netherlands happens to be a free-kick specialist as well and a regular goal scorer, something now expected of players like him.

Numbers don’t usually lie

Ziyech’s recent accolade awarded to him by the newspaper De Telegraaf in partnership with the Dutch Football Federation comes as no surprise after Ziyech’s consistent performances over the years. Since the 2014/15 Eredivisie season, top flight league in the Netherlands, no footballer has weighed up more assists than the Moroccan international with 16, 10, 17 and 15 assists respectively for all the four seasons up to the most recent one. Just to give a sense of scale, Hakim served up more assists than Mesut Ozil for their clubs in the same period with the former recording 57 while the latter with 49. A true hallmark of a playmaker. He also scored a total of 37 goals in the same period for FC Twente and his current team, Ajax Amsterdam. Hakim was awarded the Mars d’Or(Best Moroccan Player) in 2016 to honor his contributions to the country and the Ajax fans voted him Player of the Year in the 2017/18 campaign. He stills has a lot give Morocco with 9 goals in 21 appearances for his country since his debut in 2015.

Dani Carvajal of Spain crosses the ball under pressure from Hakim Ziyach of Morocco during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Spain and Morocco at Kaliningrad Stadium on June 25, 2018 in Kaliningrad, Russia.

(June 24, 2018 - Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe) 

Perceived weakness

One standout, lesser strength for the playmaker is one that usually accompany most playmakers. His boyish structure means he is relatively less physical than most players and one who can easily be shoved off the ball. But it’s not always the case, his close control and hand-like left foot usually allows him to shield off the ball from any pursuing markers and is able to win fouls for his team quite frequently.

What other people have said about “The Ruler”

Ajax manager, Erik ten Hag described Ziyech as a rare piece of treasure.

Dutch and Manchester United legend, Edwin Van Der Sar was delighted to be able to keep the Moroccan for one more year after the 25-year-old had been linked with move away to AS Roma in Italy and deems him as fundamental ingredient in Ajax’s efforts to conquer Europe.

“We said we want to play in the Champions League with the strongest possible team. We may not have counted one hundred percent on Hakim, but we are very happy that we have come together and that he is here for another year at Ajax.”

— Edwin van der Sar, Managing Director of Ajax FC

Final note

At just 25, Hakim is definitely in his prime years as a footballer and a move away from Ajax to a bigger club in Europe or elsewhere can’t be out of question given how difficult it is to find players with his abilities. Checkout what Ziyech is all about in the video below.

What you need to know about the men's AFCON 2019

Are you wondering about the details of the biggest African showcase coming to our screens in 2019 or do you even know its coming? Here’s what you need to know about the biennial Men’s African Cup of Nations otherwise known as AFCON organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Kolo Toure and Didier Drogba of the Ivory Coast look dejected after losing to Egypt during the AFCON semi-final match between Ivory Coast and Egypt held at the Baba Yara Stadium on February 7, 2008 in Kumasi, Ghana.

(Feb. 7, 2008 - Source: Gallo Images/Getty Images Europe)

Brief History

The most successful nation in the tournament is the Pharaohs of Egypt with a record seven titles. North Africa is the most successful region with 10 titles, followed by West Africa with 9, Central Africa with 8, East and Southern Africa with 2 titles apiece.

Current Champions

Cameroon lifted the 2017 AFCON Cup after defeating Egypt, 2-1 in Gabon. The Indomitable Lions sealed their 5th title in spectacular fashion after fielding a team with less known players going against all odds, upsetting the likes of Sadio Mane’s Senegal and Mo Salah’s Pharaohs.

Where and when?

Cameroon was selected to host the 2019 tournament running from the 7th-30th of June 2019. A relatively convenient period that does not clash with the schedule of most club football leagues in Europe and around the world where the players ply their trade. CAF’s President, Ahmad Ahmad did however express concern over the West African nation’s infrastructure readiness to host the tourney with the final decision to be made in the CAF Extraordinary General Assembly on the 30th of September 2018. South Africa and Morocco have emerged as the countries likely to take up the mantle, should Cameroon fall out of favor.

Who is participating in the qualifying rounds?

The top ranked 45 teams on the continent and three winners from the preliminary qualification round were placed in 12 groups of four teams each. The top two teams from each group will automatically qualify for AFCON 2019, the first edition to pit 24 teams in the finals. Sixteen teams had been participating in the finals before the upcoming 32nd edition.

A Democratic Republic of the Congo supporter cheers during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group C football match between DR Congo and Morocco in Oyem on January 16, 2017. / AFP / ISSOUF SANOGO

(Jan. 15, 2017 - Source: AFP)

Group Stages Fixture Dates

• Matchday 1 ---  20-28 March 2018
• Matchday 2 ---  3-11 September 2018
• Matchday 3 & 4 ---  8-16 October 2018
• Matchday 5 ---  12-20 November 2018
• Matchday 6 ---  18-26 March 2019

Here is a full list of the fixtures.

Players to look out for in the qualifiers

Zimbabwe’s Knowledge Musona locally known as the Smiling Assassin is one such an individual already topping the scoring charts with three goals from matchday one. The list is obviously endless with a wealth of talent both at home and abroad coming together to fight for the continent's most coveted prize. Players which will never be robbed of a mention include Senegal’s Sadio Mane, FIFA Best Top Three finalist Mohamed Salah, South Africa’s Percy Tau, Ivory Coast’s Franck Kessie who featured on our hidden gems series, Alex Iwobi, the majority of shoe shine piano football from Mamelodi Sundowns and many more.

AFCON Fun- Fact

The nicknames of the participating national teams are as vicious as they come. So much to do with lions, eagles, stars and many safari animals, selling the richness of the continent. The possible explanation is perhaps to intimidate the opponent off the pitch before they battle it out on the grass. Some of the names include:

Egyptian players and coaching staff celebrate winning the Africa Cup of Nations final match between Ghana and Egypt from Universitaria Stadium on January 31, 2010 in Luanda, Angola.

(Jan. 30, 2010 - Source: Gallo Images/Getty Images Europe)

• The Lions of Teranga - Senegal
• The Super Eagles - Nigeria
• Lions of the Atlas - Morocco
• Chipolopolo (Copper Bullets) - Zambia
• Indomitable Lions - Cameroon
• The Elephants - Ivory Coast
• Bafana Bafana ( Boys! Boys!) - South Africa
• Black Stars - Ghana
• Taifa Stars - Tanzania

One lucid moment of the tournament

Zambia won their first AFCON title in 2012 co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, 19 years after most members of Zambian national team on their way to Senegal for a FIFA World Cup qualifier, perished in a plane crash. The plane had just taken off from Libreville, Gabon - the region where the 2012 troops won the title for their fallen heroes.

CAF President Ahmad Questions Cameroon's Ability to host AFCON 2019

More doubt has been cast by the Confederation of African Football over Cameroon’s ability to host next year’s Africa Cup of Nations, with CAF President Ahmad Ahmad raising the possibility that the tournament may be moved.

This isn’t the first time President Ahmad has expressed doubt in Cameroon’s ability to hold AFCON 2019. With the Confederation of African Football’s decision to expand the tournament from 16 to 24 teams made back in July 2017, the demand for up to snuff infrastructure has been a source of increased tension between the federation and host nation.

After an inspection in February, CAF President Ahmad Ahmad urged Cameroon to improve their efforts to convince the federation of their viability as hosts after the inspection revealed that preparations were behind schedule.

CAF President Ahmad Ahmad AFP/Getty Images

Now a year after challenging Cameroon to prove they can host AFCON, taking place between June 7th and 30th 2019, President Ahmad has once again raised the possibility that the tournament could be moved.

"I am not sure Cameroon is ready to host the AFCON," he told KweséESPN. "There are many things which are still wanting and yet there is little time left.

"It would be dangerous to risk African players, especially the professionals plying their trade in Europe and other continents, to play under difficult conditions and facilities."

It must be said that there seems to be a small fount of pressure coming from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation’s official offer to support Cameroon’s hosting efforts. Even though in March, Fouzi Lekjaa, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation President, moved to end speculation regarding next year's AFCON during a press conference during the ongoing CAF Women's Football Symposium, let’s think about it from CAF’s perspective for a second.

With less than a year until AFCON 2019, to express doubt in a nation’s preparations suggests the federation may have contingencies to fall back on. Even though Morocco was eventually looked over by FIFA in their selection of North America as World Cup 2026 hosts, they proved during that process that they had the resources and infrastructure to ensure the potential of a positive, professional, and safe experience for the players and fans alike on that scale.

Dieudonne Happi, the chairman of the Normalisation Committee appointed to run the Cameroonian Football Association said it was a historical moment to see that Morocco is ready to come in and help them stage the biennial tournament.

““There must be no more of the rumours that have been circulating for some time,” he added. “The relationship between the governments of Morocco and Cameroon have come a long way.”

— Dieudonne Happi, the chairman of the Normalisation Committee FECAFOOT

FECAFOOT holding a press conference in Cameroon addressing AFCON preparation.

"This is real brotherhood because the governments of the two countries have always been close," added the FECAFOOT chief. "This puts an end to all rumours. There is no way we can fail to help each other."

In addition to the indirect pressure for Morocco, CAF President Ahmad further expressed the possibility of the tournament being moved by urging Cameroon to be ready.

"If you are not ready, come out open and say you are not ready," Ahmad urged, but will be ready next time.

"In 1996, Burkina Faso was supposed to host the AFCON but said they were not ready, and South Africa took up the chance to host."

Should Cameroon retain the 2019 event, it’ll be the first time they've hosted AFCON since the 1972 edition, which was won by the Republic of Congo after defeating Mali 3-2 in the final.

CAF Afcon inspection committee in Cameroon/Journal Du Cameroon

"If you asked me”, President Ahmad added,” Cameroon would be the best country to host the AFCON now because of their football history, but there are still some questions about their readiness to host a successful tournament.

"Cameroon are still having big problems with infrastructure like the pitches and even hotels," added Ahmad. "Equatorial Guinea jumped in at the last moment to host 2015 AFCON and this can also happen."

The CAF are expected to officially pronounce whether or not Cameroon will retain their hosting rights during the CAF Extraordinary General Assembly to be held on September 30 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. We wait with bated breath.

AFCON : Morocco Backs Cameroon to Successfully Host the 2019 Tournament

There were doubts as to whether the West African nation would be able to host next year’s AFCON, the first to feature 24 teams, after the CAF President had remarked that they had “work to do.” And now, Cameroon will be happy to learn that Morocco, who are looking forward to land the bid to host 2026 world cup, are fully behind them. This is what the president of the Moroccan Football Federation (FMRF) had to say about the matter at CAF’s first ever symposium for women football:

"We wanted to put an end to rumours making rounds in the media for a while. The FMRF is at the disposal of the Cameroonian federation to make the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon an African football festival.” - Faouzi Lekjaa
Read more about 2019 here.

Hugo Broos Unsure of Cameroonian Future

The 2017 AFCON winning coach admits that he is uncertain of his future at the Indomitable Lions. He was quoted comparing his situation to a soap opera after leaked documents revealed that the country’s football body wants him out. Broos wants his future resolved by the 15th of December. After an impressive AFCON 2017 victory in February with Cameroon with the youngest team in the tournament, Broos’ men looked a shadow of themselves in this past summer’s Confederations Cup. Cameroon tallied 1 point across 3 matches, as they failed to build on the momentum from their Gabon triumph. With the team’s identity and leadership now in question, we’ll be keeping a close eye on developments here. Read more on Broos’ reaction here.