The dust has settled on the group stage of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), and anticipation crackles in the air.
The knockout rounds loom, promising heart-pounding clashes between continental giants and audacious underdogs chasing their dreams.
𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗵𝘆. 🏆✨#TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/AvCrYtL7oT
— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 24, 2024
What we have witnessed
Defending champions Senegal, boasting an unblemished record, stand toe-to-toe with tournament hosts Côte d’Ivoire.
The Elephants, still smarting from a shocking defeat, face a daunting task to topple the Lions.
Can they summon the roar of the home crowd and rewrite their narrative? (Jan. 27, Abidjan).
Nigeria and Cameroon, both hungry to end years of trophy drought, lock horns in a battle of continental giants.
Will Nigeria finally exorcise their decade-long wait, or will Cameroon’s indomitable spirit prevail? (Jan. 27, Abidjan).
Underdogs dream big
Cape Verde, conquerors of their group, challenge Mauritania, while Equatorial Guinea, fresh off shocking victories over giants, aims to continue their fairytale against Guinea.
Namibia, newcomers to the knockout stage, face a stern test against seasoned campaigners Angola. (Jan 29, Abidjan; Jan 28, Bouaké; Jan 27, Bouaké).
Mali, who have been unbeaten in the group stage, seeks to maintain their momentum against Burkina Faso.
Egypt, despite a stuttering start, carries the weight of history as they confront DR Congo. (Jan. 29, Korhogo; Jan. 28, Yamoussoukro).
The World Cup semifinalists, Morocco, march towards AFCON glory as they face South Africa. Can the South African attack, spearheaded by the dazzling duo of Tau and Zwane, threaten the Moroccan juggernaut? (Jan. 30, Yamoussoukro).
The AFCON knockout stage promises an exhilarating tapestry of drama, skill, and determination. Will established powers reign supreme, or will underdogs write their names in the annals of history?
