Sudan, South Sudan face away tests in 2023 AFCON qualifiers

Two teams from the CECAFA Zone Sudan and South Sudan will play away from home in the 2023 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier ties.

Sudan under new coach Badou Zaki will face hosts Gabon in a Group I match at the Stade de Franceville in Franceville.

“We need to be at our best and play with a lot of caution as well,” said Sudan’s new coach and former Moroccan goalkeeper Zaki.

The Sudan team lost their opening match 3-0 to table Mauritania, but returned to beat DR Congo 2-1. Sudan are placed third in the group with 3 points, while Mauritania and Gabon each have 4 points.

The Bright Stars of South Sudan who are bottom of Group G will be more than hungry to try and pick their first points having lost the first two matches to Mali and Gambia.

South Sudan will face Congo Brazzaville at the Stade Alphonse Massemba-Débat in Brazzaville. Stefano Cusin, the South Sudan coach made it clear that they must fight to get good results in the two matches against Congo Brazzaville if they hope to improve their chances of qualifying for AFCON.

“I have told my players this is the time we must go all out and get points. Our chances for AFCON qualification all depend on these two matches,” added Cusin.

Meanwhile, a 10-man Rwanda team battled to a 1-1 draw against Benin in a Group L match played at Friendship Stadium in Cotonou. Gilbert Mugisha gave the Wasps the lead after 13 minutes.

In the second half the home team pushed forward, while Rwanda had Hakim Sahabo sent off after 60 minutes. Steve Mounie eventually restored parity eight minutes from time for Benin.

On Friday Uganda will host Tanzania in a match to be played in Cairo, while Ethiopia play away to Guinea.