Today’s CAF Afcon Qualifiers & UEFA Nations League Fixtures & Previews

Tunisia** set to maintain their perfect start when they face **Botswana

Tunisia will be looking to maintain their perfect start to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers when they visit the Francistown Sports Stadium to face Botswana on Sunday.

The Zebras, who are currently on a three-game winless streak across all competitions, will head into the weekend seeking to end this dry spell and get their qualification campaign up and running.

Botswana were denied a dream start to their Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers as they fell to a slender 1-0 defeat at the hands of Libya when the sides squared off on Wednesday. Despite their lack of sting in attack against Libya, the trio of Thabang Sesinyi, Kabelo Seakanyeng and 26-year-old Tumisang Orebonye should lead the Botswana attack once again.

Tunisia, on the other hand, kicked off their hunt for a 16th consecutive appearance at the continent’s biggest tournament on a high as they cruised to a 4-0 home victory over Equatorial Guinea on Thursday.

Tunisia head into the weekend unbeaten in each of their last three outings across all competitions, picking up two wins and one draw since January’s 1-0 loss to Burkina Faso which saw them crash out of the 2022 AFCON in the quarter-finals.

They have also avoided defeat in seven consecutive Africa Cup of Nations qualification games — picking up six wins and one draw — stretching back to last year’s qualifiers, where they enjoyed an unbeaten campaign in Group J.

Tunisia have flown out of the blocks in style and will look to keep the juggernaut rolling and strengthen their lead at the top of the group. We predict the Carthage Eagles will come away with all three points against the hosts, who have failed to win six of their last seven games on home turf.

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

Zimbabwe welcome DR Congo** in Group E**

Zimbabwe will be looking for a second AFCON Qualifier win in two games when they welcome DR Congo. Les Léopards also won their first game, making it two victories in two games. Their H2H meetings are famous for many goals, and their current attacking stats indicate a similar match-up come Monday, so our Zimbabwe vs DR Congo match prediction is BTTS.

Yoane Wissa, DR

Congo picked up its second win in four games with a 2-0 victory over Equatorial Guinea, taking their total goal tally to eight in their past six games. Before the Equatorial Guinea game, they lost 2-1 to England in the World Cup, a few days after a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan.

Still, Les Leopards will have their hands full when they play Zimbabwe, who have won four of their past five games, including their 3-2 win over Sierra Leone. The Warriors have also scored seven goals in that run of five games. One advantage Zimbabwe enjoys is more experience in this competition, losing only one in their past seven AFCON Qualifiers games while scoring ten.

Both sides are scoring goals ahead of their matchup on Monday. Three of their past four meetings ended with goals for each side. With similar performance in attack, we expect both teams to find the net in their next game.

Credit: sportytrader.com

**Burkina Faso face crucial test against Central African Republic **

On the occasion of the 2nd matchday of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Burkina Faso face Central African Republic this Monday at 16:00 GMT at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca. The two coaches spoke at the pre-match press conference.

Burkina Faso looking to put disappointment behind them

The Stallions’ coach is aware of the expectations after the setback on the first matchday in Ouagadougou. Burkina Faso were held to a 1-1 draw by Benin. “I know the people are disappointed, and I am the first to be.

Edmond Tapsoba, Burkina Faso

Tomorrow, we have no right to make a mistake. I know this Central African Republic team, which I respect. They came back to draw here against Mauritania. They have had one more day to recover than we have,” said Amir Abdou.

Central African Republic aiming to make history

For Central African Republic, coach Eloge Enza Dominique Youfeigan wants to believe in a shock against the Group F favourites. He said so loud and clear after a 3-1 defeat to Mauritania.

Credit: foot-africa.com

France** travel away to face **Belgium

Hoping to continue their winning start under Zinedine Zidane, France will travel to face Belgium at Stade Roi Baudouin for their UEFA Nations League A showdown on Monday.

Les Bleus are aiming to build on their opening-day success, while the Red Devils are keen to follow up their first victory under new boss Mark van Bommel.

Belgium came into this international break after being eliminated at the quarter-final stage during World Cup 2026, but fans will be hoping that winning Van Bommel’s first match in charge has started them on a path to triumph at Euro 2028.

Ousmane Dembélé, France

The Red Devils beat Italy 2-0 on Friday, courtesy of a first-half opener from Mika Godts, and a second-half sealer by Dodi Lukebakio.

Result aside, that win marked the first time in five matches that Belgium kept a clean sheet, a positive omen ahead of Monday’s showdown against the most well-stocked attacking force in Europe.

Van Bommel is set for his inaugural home fixture as coach, and considering the level of opposition, he will be leaning on the Red Devils’ impressive record when playing as the hosts, which includes a nine-game unbeaten run featuring six wins prior to kick off.

However, while Belgium have not lost as the nominal home side since November 2024, they have tasted defeat in each of their last five meetings with France, a streak that goes back to June 2015.

France enjoyed enormous success under former manager Didier Deschamps, and while his successor, Zidane, has a commendable trophy haul to his name, the ex-boss’ shoes will be difficult to fill.

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

CAF Afcon Fixtures

Group E

Equatorial Guinea 16:00 Sierra Leone

Zimbabwe 16:00 Congo DR

Group F

Central African Republic 16:00 Burkina Faso

Group H

Tunisia 19:00 Botswana

UEFA Nations Leagu Fixtures

Group 1

Belgium 18:45 France

Turkey 18:45 Italy

Group 2

Georgia 16:00 Ukraine

Armenia 16:00 Montenegro

Latvia 16:00 Cyprus

Northern Ireland 18:45 Hungary

Group 4

Romania 18:45s Bosnia-Herzegovina

Sweden 18:45 Poland

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