The TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Cote d’Ivoire 2023 has delivered a thrilling round of 16 fixtures, setting the stage for what promises to be captivating quarterfinal clashes.
After a series of closely contested matches, eight teams emerged victorious, showcasing their mettle on the road to the quarterfinals.
Angola secured their spot with a hard-fought 3-0 win over Namibia, earning them a quarterfinal showdown against Nigeria. The Super Eagles, having defeated the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon 2-0, face a stern test against Angola’s Palancas Negras on Friday at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan at 6.00 p.m.
DR Congo faced a gritty Egypt in a dramatic encounter that ended 1-1 in regular time, with DR Congo clinching victory in a penalty shootout of 8-7. They are now set to battle Guinea in the quarterfinals.
Guinea, who shocked Equatorial Guinea with a 1-0 win, will challenge DR Congo in the next stage. Other compelling matchups include Cape Verde’s late penalty securing a 1-0 win against Mauritania, setting them up to face South Africa in the quarterfinals.
Host nation Cote d’Ivoire advanced after a tense penalty shootout (5-4) against defending champions Senegal, following a 1-1 draw in regular time. In the last round of 16 tie, Mali overcame Burkina Faso 2-1, earning a spot in the quarterfinals against host Cote d’Ivoire.
South Africa secured a 2-0 victory against Morocco and will face Cape Verde in the quarterfinal stage.
With the last round of 16 ties completed on Tuesday night, the anticipation is high for the upcoming quarterfinal clashes scheduled from Feb. 2 to Feb. 3.
Quarterfinal Fixtures and Venues:
Friday:
– Nigeria vs Angola (Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan at 6.00 p.m.)
– DR Congo vs Guinea (Olympic Stadium of Ebimpe at 9.00 p.m.)
Saturday:
– Mali vs Côte d’Ivoire (Stade de la paix Bouake at 6.00 p.m.)
– Cape Verde vs South Africa (Stade Charles Konan Banny de Yamoussoukro at 9.00 p.m.)
0 Comments