CAN 2023 (Q): the program for this Friday
Three matches are on the program this Friday, counting for the sixth day of the CAN 2023 qualifiers. Egypt-Ethiopia and Mali-South Sudan are notably the big shocks of the day.
Started last Wednesday, the sixth and final day of the CAN 2023 qualifiers continues this Friday with three matches on the program. Meetings without stake but which will serve as a test for the next qualifying phases of the 2026 World Cup.
Already qualified and guaranteed to finish first in their group, Egypt receives Ethiopia in Cairo. With 12 points taken in 5 outings, the Pharaohs are favorites against the Walyas, already eliminated. But be careful not to sell the skin of the Ethiopians too quickly, victorious over the Egyptians (2-0), during the first leg of June 9, 2022,
At the same time, the Burkina Faso team is in a comfortable situation in these CAN playoffs. The Stallions, with 10 points on the clock, have already obtained their ticket to Côte d’Ivoire. Today’s meeting against Eswatini, bottom of Group B with only 2 points, is akin to a “test” before the upcoming clash against the Atlas Lions of Morocco, scheduled for Tuesday September 12 during of a friendly match which will be played at the RC Lens stadium, the Bollaert.
However, the Burkinabè will have to cope without their key executive, Bertrand Traoré (72 caps, 15 goals), who has not yet been able to find enough rhythm since his return from injury. The player only played around 20 minutes with Aston Villa in the Premier League. Another key player, Steeve Yago, also had to withdraw, leaving some uncertainty over the team’s tactical set-up for this crucial match.
Friday’s program (time in GMT+2):
- 6 p.m., Egypt-Ethiopia (Group D), Cairo
- 9 p.m., Burkina Faso-Eswatini (Group B), Marrakech (Morocco)
- 9 p.m., Mali-South Sudan (Group G), Bamako