All set for intriguing quarter-final matches in Africa Cup of Nations
Angola’s forward #19 Mabululu (right) celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with Angola’s forward #10 Gelson Dala during the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) 2023. PHOTO | AFP
Abidjan. The quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Ivory Coast 2023 is set to serve some interesting fixtures across the 3 host cities.
The round of 16 provided some exciting games coupled with shocks and some of the favorites ended up exiting the competition including defending champions and 2022 World Cup semifinalist, Morocco.
Here are the games to pay attention to in the quarter-finals and how things are expected to turn out.
Nigeria v Angola
The Super Eagles will face Angola in the opening quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Afcon Ivory Coast 2023 today at the famous Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny.
Angola will be hoping to continue their fairytale against one of the tournament’s favorite, Nigeria.
Nigeria’s resolute defensive unit in William Troost - Ekong, Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi will be put to test by Angola’s forwards, Jacinto Dala, Gilberto and Mabululu in this fixture. Game will be played at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny today.
DR Congo v Guinea
DR Congo who are yet to win a game in the competition will have Guinea to deal with in the quarter-finals. Mohamed Bayo has twice been the saviour for Guinea in the TotalEnergies CAF Afcon 2023. He scored against Cameroon to help them secure a point and was on target against Equatorial Guinea in the round of 16. With the 2009 CHAN success in Cotê d’Ivoire in sight, DR Congo will give it their all against an equally motivated Guinean side. Game will played today at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan.
Mali v Ivory Coast
The host put up a solid performance to eliminate defending champions, Senegal on penalties in the round of 16. This followed a disappointing end to their group stage campaign where they lost to both Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea and went ahead to concede 5 goals.
Ivory Coast have failed to score from open play in their last three games and will be hoping to make amends with the return of Sébastien Haller upfront.
Mali despite a shaky performance in the group stage put up an improved performance against Burkina Faso in the round of 16. The match will be played tomorrow at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake.
Cape Verde v South Africa
Cape Verde, unbeaten will play South Africa who eliminated 2022 World Cup semi-finalist, Morocco in the round of 16. The Blue Sharks have had a smooth run throughout the competition unlike South Africa who have been inconsistent with results. Hugo Broos will count on Evidence Makgopa, Percy Tau and Themba Zwane to deliver against Cape Verde.
Though a tough one but Cape Verde have seen it all against experienced countries and have had their way through. The encounter will be held tomorrow at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro. (CAF).
