Niger and Swaziland clash in Group J opener

Mossi Adamou Moussa Issa of Niger celebrates his goal during the 2016 CHAN Rwanda game between Niger and Guinea at the Stade de Kigali, Kigali on 22 January 2016 ©Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Friday Jun 09, 2017. 11:30

Niger will play host to Swaziland in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at the Stade General-Seyni-Kountche in Niamey on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 17h00 CAT.

The Menas have failed to qualify for the last three AFCON finals. They were knocked out of the 2013 AFCON finals after finishing bottom of their group.

Niger's last match was against Burundi in the 2017 AFCON qualifier last September. The Menas defeated Burundi 3-1 at home in Niamey.

Moussa Maazou remains the Menas' key player and the striker will be looking to hit the back of the net and help Niger beat Swaziland in a Group J game.

Meanwhile, Swaziland have never qualified for the AFCON finals and they will be keen to make history by booking their place in the 2019 tournament.

Sihlangu Semnikati's last match was against Malawi in the 2017 AFCON qualifier last September. Malawi won 1-0 at the Kamuzu Stadium.

Tony Tsabedze is still one of Sihlangu Semnikati's star players and the midfielder will be hoping to inspire his side to victory over Niger in a Group J clash.

Tunisia and Egypt are also part of Group J, and the two giants are scheduled to square off at the Stade Olympique de Rades in Rades on Sunday.