The international break provides a chance for Africa’s top nations to return to action this week for the first time since the thrilling TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire last month.

From mouth-watering friendlies against South American opposition to the start of the new FIFA Series, it’s an opportunity for several of the continent’s heavyweights to get back on the horse.

Newly-crowned African champions Cote d’Ivoire lead the way with two eye-catching fixtures lined up in France.

The Elephants open their March program against Benin in Amiens on the 23rd, before a glamour tie versus Uruguay and their mercurial coach Marcelo Bielsa awaits in Lens three days later.

It promises to be an epic test against the two-time World Cup winners as the Ivorians begin preparations for June’s World Cup qualifiers.

Fellow West African giants Senegal are also in friendly action in Amiens, taking on Gabon on the 22nd and Benin again four days later.

Reigning African Player of the Year Sadio Mane and his Teranga Lions teammates will be keen to bounce back from a disappointing TotalEnergies CAF AFCON showing.

Nigeria could provide the sternest test of the international window when they face Ghana in Marrakech on March 22nd.

The Super Eagles were beaten in last month’s AFCON final by Cote d’Ivoire and will be desperate to gain revenge over their great rivals following Ghana’s World Cup playoff win last year.

Elsewhere, Africa’s representatives in the new FIFA Series competition get underway, with Algeria hosting Bolivia and South Africa in Algiers.

New Fennecs coach Vladimir Petkovic takes charge of his first matches as he looks to galvanize the recent underachievers.

Morocco are also in friendly action on home soil, with Angola and Mauritania the visitors to Agadir later this month.

After an abundance of drama at the AFCON, the international schedule offers Africa’s elite another chance to strut their stuff on the global stage.

Friendly fixtures for March’s internnational break