The Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast has entered the knockout stage, presenting a series of exciting matchups in the round of 16. Four clashes between former champions highlight the upcoming four-day schedule, starting on Saturday. Here’s an analysis and predictions for each of the eight matches:
Saturday
- Angola vs. Namibia: Angola’s impressive performance in the group stage makes them the favorites. Prediction: Angola to win.
- Nigeria vs. Cameroon: Despite Nigeria’s goal-scoring challenges, they are likely to overcome Cameroon. Prediction: Nigeria.
Sunday
- Equatorial Guinea vs. Guinea: Equatorial Guinea’s surprising form makes them the team to watch. Prediction: Equatorial Guinea.
- Egypt vs. Democratic Republic of Congo: Without Mohamed Salah, Egypt faces a tough test against a resilient Congolese side. Prediction: Egypt.
Monday
- Cape Verde vs. Mauritania: The unpredictability of Mauritania adds intrigue, but Cape Verde’s solid performance suggests they will advance. Prediction: Cape Verde.
- Senegal vs. Ivory Coast: Senegal aims to break the jinx against Ivory Coast, who must drastically improve after a coaching change. Prediction: Senegal.
Tuesday
- Mali vs. Burkina Faso: A clash of physical teams, Mali’s impressive showings give them an edge. Prediction: Mali.
- Morocco vs. South Africa: Morocco’s potential match-winners make them favorites against the unpredictable South Africa. Prediction: Morocco.
Previous Results:
ANGOLA V NAMIBIA
1998: Angola 3 Namibia 3 (Group C)
NIGERIA V CAMEROON
1984: Cameroon 3 Nigeria 1 (final)
1988: Cameroon 1 Nigeria 0 (final)
1992: Nigeria 2 Cameroon 1 (3rd place)
2000: Cameroon 2 Nigeria 2, Cameroon won penalty shootout (final)
2004: Nigeria 2 Cameroon 1 (quarterfinal)
2019: Nigeria 3 Cameroon 2 (round of 16)
EGYPT V DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
1970: Egypt 1 DR Congo 0 (Group B)
1974: DR Congo 3 Egypt 2 (semifinal)
2006: Egypt 4 DR Congo 1 (quarterfinal)
2019: Egypt 2 DR Congo 0 (Group A)
SENEGAL V IVORY COAST
1965: I. Coast 1 Senegal 0 (3rd place)
1986: I. Coast 1 Senegal 0 (Group A)
MALI V BURKINA FASO
2004: Mali 3 B. Faso 1 (Group B)
MOROCCO V SOUTH AFRICA
1998: S. Africa 2 Morocco 1 (quarterfinal)
2002: S. Africa 3 Morocco 1 (Group B)
2004: S. Africa 1 Morocco 1 (Group D)
2013: S. Africa 2 Morocco 2 (Group A)
2019: Morocco 1 S. Africa 0 (Group D)
Equatorial Guinea v Guinea, Cape Verde v Mauritania – first meetings
The knockout stage promises to deliver intense and unpredictable football, showcasing the diverse strengths of African teams in their quest for continental glory.