AFCON 2019 Latest, Algeria Joins Egypt, Nigeria For Knockout Stage

Thursday saw some exciting fixtures at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Egypt, with Kenya and Tanzania facing off in an East African derby while tournament favourites Algeria and Senegal took to the field.

Action kicked off with a match between two tournament debutants however, with Madagascar versus Burundi. The Madagascan side secured a 1-0 victory with a goal from Marco Ilaimaharitra in the 76th minute, taking them to four points from their two games played and giving them a good shot at qualifying for the knockout stage.

Algeria versus Senegal resulted in a 1-0 victory to the North African side after a goal scored by Youcef Belaili just minutes into the second half. The result sees Algeria join the Egyptian and Nigerian teams among those to have secured their place in the next round.

Despite Tanzania taking an early lead with a goal in the 7th minute Kenya secured the winning goal in the 80th minute of yesterday’s game. The 3-2 result saw goals from Kenya’s Johanna Omolo and Michael Olunga, and Tanzania’s Saimon Msuva and Mbwana Aly Sematta.

As the tournament enters its ninth day matches in Group D and E continues with Ivory Coast taking on Morocco, Namibia facing South Africa and Tunisia play Mali.

Blessing Mwangi