AFCON 2023: …And there were eight

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

The 2023 African cup of nations (AFCON) has featured action, drama unparalleled and upsets since the tournament opener at Ivory Coast. 

The first knockout stage saw the exits of continental heavyweights Morocco, Egypt, Cameroon and defending champions Senegal. Outside favorites in Angola, DR Congo continue to advance their case while supposed underdogs Cape Verde and Guinea will also take a shot at glory.

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Here’s the run-down of the quarter-final fixtures.

Nigeria vs Angola

Angola secured the first quarter-final spot putting 3 past Namibia in a very entertaining fixture.

Goalkeeper Neblu was red carded 17 minutes into the game as he attempted to prevent a Namibia opener.

Angola put 3 past their counterparts via a Dala Nelson brace and Mabululu’s goal of the tourney contender in the 66th minute. 

The Super Eagles of Nigeria went past the Cameroonian national team in rather convincing style. Ademola Lookman’s brace either side of halftime secured victory for Jose Peseiro’s outfit. 

The February 2nd scheduled tie at the Stade Fèlix Houphouët-Boigny will see the highest scoring side this tournament in Angola take the battle to African giants Nigeria to battle it out for a semi-final place.

DR Congo vs Guinea

Mostafa Mohamed canceled out Meschack Elia’s opener for DR Congo and sent the game to the shootouts.

Egypt red carded just 7 minutes into the extratime suffered an agonizing 8-7 shootout defeat to the Leopards of Congo.

In a dramatic finish to that game, Egypt goalkeeper Gabaski saw his effort crash off the bar while his compatriot in the other goal Lionel Mpasi converted to send his country through.

Equatorial Guinea paid the dividends for Emilio Nsue’s missed penalty in their counter with Guinea.

10-men Equatorial Guinea rued that miss as Mohamed Bayo’s 98th minute dagger was more than enough to settle the tie.

Stade Olympique Alssane Ouatarra will play host to the tie between DR Congo and Guinea as both sides will look to extend their good run of form in the ongoing tournament.

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Mali vs Ivory Coast

Bertrand Traore’s second half penalty could not kickstart a comeback showing for the 2013 finalist. Lassine Sinayoko added a second to Edmond Tapsoba’s earlier own goal to send the Burkinabe packing.

Host nation Ivory Coast came into the knockouts as one of the best losers and relieved head coach Jean Louis Gasset of duty.

Emerse Faè took charge of the squad on Monday night against the Terenga Lions. Franck Kessie’s 86th minute penalty canceled out Habibou Diallo’s opener for the defending champions.

Moussa Niakhate’s penalty hit the left upright while the Elephants converted all 5 of their kicks to secure a quarter-final berth.

Despite the Ivorians complicated start to the tournament, the performance against Senegal could be a massive turning point as they seek glory.

Mali have had a solid tournament thus far and will seek to make everything of this AFCON outing.

Cape Verde vs South Africa

The Blue Sharks went top of one of the tournament’s supposed group of death ahead of Egypt and Ghana.

Still continuing their fine form with a lone goal victory over Mauritania in the round of 16. Ryan Mendes converted a 86th minute penalty after Babacar Niasse’s clumsy challenge in the penalty area.

Inspired by former Manchester United forward Bebé up top, the Blue Sharks will put all on the table in their next tie.

The Bafana Bafana took the final spot on offer in the quarter-finals with their victory over 2022 world cup semi-finalists.

Their fixture with Morocco had a dramatic last 10 minutes in which Achraf Hakimi missed a penalty, Sofyan Amrabat got red carded and South Africa adding a second to take away a comfortable victory.

The Blue Sharks will welcome South Africa’s offence on Saturday night at the Stade Charles Konan Banny.