24 AFCON 2019 qualifying matches to watch featuring Burundi vs Gabon live as Aubameyang eyes last-day Egypt 2019 ticket

March 20, 2019 By Emmanuel K. Budu-Annor

Topics: AFCON Qualifiers, Gabon, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia, Mozambique

The day of reckoning has arrived as countries make a final attempt to secure a spot at Egypt 2019.

The international break promises to serve up a host of intriguing contests all around and the African continent is one such place with some action-packed fixtures to look forward to. The 2019 AFCON Qualifiers has entered its final round and while the fate of some groups have already been determined, a few more will be decided in the last battle.

Egypt – who will now host the 32nd edition of the AFCON – has announced its readiness to receive all the participation countries. The North African country was conferred the mandate after Cameroon lost its hosting rights due to the lack of adequate stadium infrastructure and pressing security issues. Between June 21 and July 19, 24 nations will battle for the ultimate trophy.

Which teams have already qualified for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations?

Senegal, Madagascar, Morocco, Mali, Algeria, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Mauritania, Tunisia, Egypt, and Uganda.

Which teams are already eliminated ahead of the final round of AFCON 2019 qualifiers?

Zambia, Swaziland, Niger, Botswana, Rwanda, Central Africa Republic, Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, Seychelles, South Sudan, Malawi, and Sudan.

Which teams can still fight to reach the 2019 AFCON?

While the fate of some groups have been determined, a few remains open. In Group B, Cameroon and Comoros Island will lock horns to see who will join winners Morocco in Egypt.

Similarly, Burundi and Gabon will be involved to see who will qualify alongside Group C winners Mali. For Group D, Benin, Togo and Gambia will be fighting for the final spot up for grabs while South Africa and Libya will be doing the same in Group E.

Group G remains the most interesting group in the final round as any of the four teams namely Zimbabwe, Liberia, DR Congo and Congo could qualify depending on the outcome of their respective games.

Angola and Burkina Faso will also target the second spot to qualify out of Group I alongside first-timers and history makers Mauritius.

What is the biggest 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier to watch on the final matchday?

Burundi vs Gabon: A do-or-die mission for Aubameyang

Burundi's last group game against Gabon will arguably gain a lot of traction considering the chain of events that may ensue at the end of the encounter. The buzz around the fixture is building up after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang defied the popular narrative to make himself available for selection for the Gabonese national team.

The skipper of the side refused to show up in games against South Sudan and Mali and even hinted at retiring. In a recent interview with French TV show Talents d'Afrique, Aubameyang made his intention to hang his boots clear should things wayward in the coming days.

That withstanding, the forward's decision will most likely depend on the outcome of Saturday's test in Bujumbura.

"I am thinking hard about retiring from international football," Aubameyang said.

"I am honestly asking myself that question. Sadly, I have come to this point, and I am going to make a decision. "It could come before or after our next game against Burundi [on March 23].

"Normally I would go if called up, but I am hesitating because I want to make matters improve.

"I would love Gabon to qualify for the African Nations Cup finals. But if things don't improve I don't see the point of going.

"I am waiting for changes to be made. We always end up in the same situation on the eve of matches, asking questions we shouldn't need to ask," he added.

"I want football to become more professional in Gabon. It is what the players deserve. That is what is lacking, and it is the reason why I sometimes don't turn up to play.

"I am extremely disappointed by the behavior of certain people – both in the Gabon FA and higher up."

For fans of Gabon, there is evidently a little cause for concern as their side is on the brink of losing its captain. In retrospect, the team's AFCON qualifying record has not less than appreciable.

Of the five matches played so far, only two have resulted in wins while there have been two losses and a draw.