Abidjan, (CIV): The group stage of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 concluded on Wednesday night, paving the way for intense knockout stage showdowns.
In the highlight match, defending champions Senegal prepare to face hosts Cote d’Ivoire, who mathematically qualified for the knockout stage as one of the four best third-placed teams.
Nigeria and Cameroon, the two continental powerhouses face in another Round of 16 clash after uneven group stages, promising an epic battle.
Morocco, flawless in the group stage, aims to continue their fine form against South Africa, while underdogs Equatorial Guinea will aim for another upset against the Republic of Guinea.
Namibia’s historic qualification sets them against two-time quarterfinalists Angola, while Egypt, despite an underwhelming start, aim for a clash against East Africa’s sole representative; DR Congo.
In the other encounter of the last 16, Mali face Burkina Faso, and the tournament’s surprise package; Cape Verde face Mauritania who shocked Algeria in an epic group D fixture on Tuesday.
AFCON 2023 Last 16: Fixtures to Watch:
1. Angola vs. Namibia (Saturday, January 27)
Namibia’s historic qualification meets Angola’s quest for more success. The Stade de la Paix in Bouake witnesses a clash between debutants and experienced quarterfinalists.
2. Nigeria vs. Cameroon (Saturday, January 27):
Nigeria seeks to end a decade-long trophy drought, facing Cameroon under pressure after a shaky group stage. A heavyweight exits the tournament at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.
3. Equatorial Guinea vs. Guinea (Sunday, January 28)
Equatorial Guinea’s shock group win pits them against inconsistent Guinea, featuring top scorer Emilio Nsue. The Alassane Ouattara Stadium hosts this intriguing fixture.
6. Egypt vs. DR Congo (Sunday, January 28);
Egypt’s legendary status meets DR Congo’s resilience in a clash at the Laurent Pokou Stadium. Despite a draw-filled group stage, Egypt remains a formidable opponent.
5. Cape Verde vs. Mauritania (Monday, January 29):
Cape Verde, unbeaten in a challenging group, faces surprise package Mauritania, led by Amir Abdou. The clash at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium promises more history-making moments.
6. Senegal vs. Côte d’Ivoire (Monday, January 29)
Hosts Côte d’Ivoire face a tough challenge against flawless Senegal at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium. The defending champions aim to continue their perfect record.
7. Mali vs. Burkina Faso (Tuesday, January 30);
Burkina Faso aims to bounce back, facing unbeaten Mali at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium. The venue advantage adds to the excitement of this encounter.
8. Morocco vs. South Africa (Tuesday, January 30)
World Cup semifinalists Morocco take on Percy Tau and Themba Zwane’s South Africa at the Laurent Pokou Stadium. A clash of attacking prowess promises an enthralling encounter.
The TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2023 Round of 16 guarantees pulsating action as heavyweights and underdogs vie for supremacy.
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