The knockout phase of AFCON 2023 begins with sixteen teams slugging it out to claim a place in the quarter-finals of the competition. The Teranga Lions and Morocco have been commandeering, while Equatorial Guinea and Cape Verde have also been outstanding.
An intriguing group stage of upsets, goals and late drama has given way for the business end of the continental showpiece, and Daily Trust previews the action
Angola vs Namibia
A COSAFA derby starts the knockout rounds and while Namibia have looked solid, they are lucky to be here as one of four best losers. They impressively defeated an abject Tunisia in the opener but have failed to score afterwards, and were thrashed by South Africa. Angola on the other hand have sauntered to this stage as group winners, scoring in all three group matches and netting two or more goals in two matches. They also provide the twin threat of Mabululu and Gelson Daia and they should win this fairly comfortably. The Palancas Negras to win 2-0.
Babangida backs Super Eagles to reach AFCON finals
AFCON enters knockout rounds with mouth-watering fixtures
Nigeria vs Cameroon
An age-long fierce rivalry that has seen grown men cry on the pitch, this is going to be another classic despite both sides not looking their best. Nigeria has chosen a cautious, defensive approach while Cameroon concedes freely but are doing fine in attack. Victor Osimhen is still to take this competition by the scruff of the neck and he has the perfect opportunity this passionate striker to silence naysayers. Regardless of who is in goal- Onana should return- Cameroon will concede but can Nigeria’s solid defence keep the Indomitable Lions at bay? A 2-1 win to the Super Eagles.
Egypt vs DR Congo
Two teams in the knockout on the back of three consecutive draw. Two nations that can be continental heavyweights but have fallen off in recent years- especially Egypt. The Pharaohs are without Mohamed Salah but Mostafa Mohamed has scored in each match and he will need to conjure the magic against a Chancel Mbemba-led DR Congo defence. The Egyptians are uncharacteristically poor at the back, providing the inspiration for Cedric Bakambu and Yan Wisa to potentially do damage. Whatever is served- a classic or another fisticuff against a North African nation, this game will go down the wire. DR Congo in regulation time or Egypt on penalties.
Equatorial Guinea vs Guinea
A statistic that has been slept on is the fact that Equatorial Guinea has not lost in a competitive match since September 2022. This national unit maximize their resources and topped a group of Nigeria and Ivory Coast, beating the hosts silly 4-0. In Emilio Nsue have an experienced finisher who leads AFCON scoring chart with five goals and leads his team from the front, while goalkeeper Jesus Owono, best goalkeeper for the group stage, keeps it tight at the back. Guinea, despite qualifying as a best loser and showing little to no spark, the Syli Nationals can still spring a surprise. Equatorial Guinea likely to win 2-1.
Cape Verde vs Mauritania
The island nation of Cape Verde defeated Ghana, held Egypt, dominated Mauritius, scored seven goals with seven different players and topped the group. The fearless nation is pirating its way along and Mauritania, fortuitous slayer of Algeria, will be added to their casualty list. Cape Verde for a 2-0 win.
Senegal vs Ivory Coast
The AFCON defending champions clash with the emotional and poor host nation that sacked its coach abruptly to face the fearsome Teranga Lions. Senegal have scored eight goals and a perfect group record against a battered Elephant that squeezed through after everyone else. This will be a cakewalk for Senegal but Ivory Coast have risen from the ashes and can spring the unlikeliest of surprise. Senegal to win 3-0.
Mali vs Burkina Faso
These West African neighbours are tricky opponents that have had an uninspiring group stage. Both nations are struggling for goals, netting scored just three times each in their groups and Mali only secured passage on the final game. Burkina Faso also have more of their goals from penalties (2) and rely on Bertrand Traore for inspiration. This could be a borefest with Mali pipping the game by either a lone goal or lottery of penalties.
Morocco vs South Africa
Bar the ill-tempered draw against DR Congo, Morocco have been comfortable in their AFCON matches so far. The tournament co-favourites will however face a South Africa side that has its core of players from the nation’s premier league and have looked ordinary, bar an inspired 4-0 group victory. This star-studded Morocco is still to kick into the next gear and this is expected from this match onward as the business end of the tournament is about to begin.
