The group stage of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations has come to a close, setting up some exciting knockout stage matches. The tournament has already delivered its fair share of surprises, goals, and historic moments, and fans can expect even more excitement in the coming days.
One of the most highly anticipated matches of the round of 16 is the encounter between defending champions Senegal and tournament hosts Côte d’Ivoire. Despite suffering a 4-0 loss in their final group game, Côte d’Ivoire advanced to the knockout stage and will face a tough test against an in-form Senegalese side that has yet to lose a game.
Another mouthwatering clash will see Nigeria take on Cameroon. Both teams had mixed performances in the group stage, but they are known for their talent and ability to deliver on the big stage.
Morocco, who topped their group without conceding a goal, will face South Africa in what promises to be an entertaining match. Meanwhile, underdogs Equatorial Guinea will aim to cause another upset when they take on Guinea, while Cape Verde will face Mauritania in a battle of two teams looking to make history.
Egypt, despite their underwhelming group stage performance, remains a force to be reckoned with due to their reputation as the most successful team in AFCON history. They will face off against DR Congo in a match that could go either way.
Finally, Mali will meet Burkina Faso in a West African derby, with both teams eager to advance to the next round.
Here are the fixtures to keep an eye on:
- Nigeria vs Cameroon (January 27, Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium)
- Angola vs Namibia (January 27, Stade de la Paix)
- Cape Verde vs Mauritania (January 29, Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium)
- Equatorial Guinea vs Guinea (January 28, Alassane Ouattara Stadium)
- Egypt vs DR Congo (January 28, Laurent Pokou Stadium)
- Senegal vs Côte d’Ivoire (January 29, Charles Konan Banny Stadium)
- Morocco vs South Africa (January 30, Laurent Pokou Stadium)
- Mali vs Burkina Faso (January 30, Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium)