More drama on the menu at Afcon 2023 — Round of 16 preview!!!
After an action packed group stages, the AFCON round of 16 stages will kick off this Saturday, with all teams dreaming of lifting the coveted trophy and being crowned kings of Africa. Here are some of the ties to look out for and my predictions.
Nigeria face Cameroon
The Super Eagles will face off against The Indomitable Lions for a place in the quarter finals. Despite finishing on 7 points in the group stages, Nigeria’s performances were underwhelming with fans demanding more from their key players. Although they registered strong defensive performances, Nigeria only scored 1 open play goal, from star man Victor Osimhen. Afcon 2023 is also waiting for Nigeria’s star man to arrive as the striker has so far failed to find his shooting boots. He has had ample opportunity to add to his tally of one goal for the tournament, but the back of the net has proved elusive.
86 minutes into their final group game, Cameroon were on the brink of getting knocked out of the group stages and exiting stage left, however a James Gomez own goal in the 87th minute and a Christopher Wooh header in the 91st minute revived Cameroon’s chances of qualification and allowed the Lions to finish 2nd in their group on 4 points. Cameroon can count themselves lucky as they have had an underwhelming tournament thus far. They were comfortably beaten by Senegal and struggled to overcome a Guinean side, as they had to settle for a draw. There has also been unwanted drama regarding Andre Onana who missed Cameroon’s first game and was subsequently dropped for their final group game.
Ultimately, I believe Nigeria will just edge the tie between the two sides and come out as victors in a 1–0 victory.
Hosts Ivory Coast play favourites Senegal
The hosts may be required to check out early as they face a Mane led Senegal side in a potentially mouth-watering encounter. In a tournament that started out as a dream, after a nightmare 4–0 defeat in their final group game, Ivory Coast had to settle for one of the best third place finishes to qualify for the round of 16. Ivory have been rewarded in the harshest way with a date against the tournament favourites. Ivory Coast will be hoping to use their home support to their advantage, but this looks like an uphill battle. Despite their squad depth, their attack doesn’t seem to be functioning and despite progression into the last 16, manager Gasset has been relieved of his duties.
Senegal have arguably been the most impressive side at this year’s Afcon so far. They are the only side to finish with a perfect record, registering 3 wins from 3 games and have at times played mesmerising football. Senegal seem to be one of the most settled teams and have done well to blend in experience and youth and will be confident of overcoming the host nation. Aliou Cisse’s men have ambitions of winning back to back tournaments, and it will be difficult to see who can get in their way. I predict that this will be the end of the road for Ivory Coast, Senegal will win this game 2–1.
Angola v Namibia
Angola had a strong group stages, topping their group. I believe they will edge past Namibia 2–1
Equatorial Guinea v Guinea
Equatorial Guinea were the surprise package of the group stages and have been playing some scintillating football. They will win this game 3–1.
Egypt v Congo
Despite losing Mo Salah, I back Egypt to improve their form and beat Congo 2–1
Cape Verde v Mauritania
Afcon veterans will know that Cape Verde’s results are not a fluke. This will be the end of the road for this heroic Mauritania side. Cape Verde love to score goals render Mauritania to a 2–0 defeat.
Mali v Burkina
This may be one of the closest encounters. Due to the threat of Bertrand Traore, I will just edge Burkina to win this game 2–1 in extra time.
Morocco v South Africa
Morocco haven’t yet lit the tournament on fire but have quietly gone about their business. I expect the World Cup semi-finalists to overcome their South Africa assignment and win the game 2–0.
