The ongoing 33rd Edition of African cup of nations ended its group stage games following series of shocking results.
African Cup of Nations title holder, Algeria got eliminated in a shocking fashion as they struggled in front of goal while failing to win a single game.
Black Stars of Ghana’s hope of putting their 40 years of AFCON woes to bed was undone as they were bundled out.
Underdog and debutant, Gambia snatched a historic place in the round of 16 after recording a 1-0 win against Tunisia.
Whilst Malawi and Comoros will also continue their fiery tale run after qualifying for the round of 16 against all odds.
Quarter final actions commences Today, by 17:00 West African Time.
Burkina Faso vs Gabon
Burkina Faso and Gabon kicks off the action as both team qualified as runners-up in their respective groups. Gabonese are the ones who have impressed the most even without their star players captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and midfielder Mario Lemina.
Nigeria vs Tunisia
Austin Eguavoen will be banking on history repeating itself when he defeated Tunisia at the 2006 AFCON enroute the bronze medal winning performance. Eguavoen will lead the Super Eagles out again against the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia today, by 20:00 West African Time.
Senegal vs Cape Verde
Senegal boast the squad with the most talent it seems, having conceded just four times in the tournament. However, Cape Verde are no pushovers as they earned their progression to the round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams.
Mali vs Equatorial Guinea
Mali progressed thanks to Ibrahime Kone impressive penalty stats in the group stage. Meanwhile, Equatorial Guinea are taking part in their third AFCON, the first as a non-host country, and on all three occasions they reached the knockout stage.
Guinea vs Gambia
Guinea qualified as runners-up behind Senegal, but they too didn’t leave good impressions despite the positive contribution of Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita. Gambia, the lowest-ranked team in the tournament, went far beyond expectations instead. They beat Tunisia, secured seven points, but didn’t qualify as group winners, losing out by just one goal.
Cameroon vs Comoros
Host, Cameroon will take on the tournament biggest surprise, Comoros. It’s already a success for the Comoros to having advanced from the group stages for the first time in their history.
Ivory Coast vs Egypt
Ivory Coast and seven time champions Egypt seems to be the most attractive match of the round of 16.
Both battled it out in the 2006 AFCON final with Egypt winning 4-2 on penalties, and this encounter is likely to be another exciting one.
Morocco vs Malawi
Morocco were among the favourites prior to the tournament and started by defeating Ghana 1-0 without having any striker at their disposal due to injuries and Covid-19. However, Malawi following a successful Group B campaign, they will be eyeing to go further in this year’s tournament and shock one of the favourites.
