The round of 16 in the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Côte d’Ivoire 2023 delivered thrilling games and surprising upsets, with favourites like defending champions Morocco making an early exit.
South Africa’s remarkable victory over favourites Morocco sets the stage for a quarter-final clash with Cape Verde, continuing the trend of shocks that have characterized this AFCON.
Africa’s most prestigious football tournament is poised for an intense quarter-final stage this week, featuring surprising results and unexpected matchups.
The Harder They Fall
Teams are strategizing their paths to the final in Abidjan, creating a highly competitive and open tournament, with traditional powerhouses facing early exits.
Ivory Coast, after eliminating defending champions Senegal on penalties, is set to face Mali. Meanwhile, DR Congo and Guinea, having secured wins against Egypt and Equatorial Guinea, respectively, complete the side of the draw.
The quarter-finals commence with the Super Eagles of Nigeria facing a formidable Angola side, which convincingly defeated Namibia in the last-16, while Nigeria triumphed over Cameroon.
No Losers From Here On Out – Prize Money
The winner of the TotalEnergies AFCON Côte d’Ivoire 2023 will receive Ksh 1.12 billion.
The runner-up will now get Ksh 640 million. Each of the two semi-finalists will receive Ksh 400 million and each of the four quarter-finalists, Ksh 208 million.
- Winner: Ksh 1.12 billion
- Runner-up: Ksh 640 million
- Semi-finalists: Ksh 400 million each
- Quarter-finalists: Ksh 208 million each
Quarter-Final Fixtures, Schedule, and Results (all times EAT)
Nigeria vs. Angola: Friday, February 2
(Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan, 8 pm)
The quarter-finals kick off with a clash between Nigeria and Angola at the renowned Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny on Friday, February 2. Angola, in pursuit of its fairytale run, faces the formidable Super Eagles.
Nigeria’s solid defensive trio of William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, and Semi Ajayi will be tested by Angola’s attacking forces, including Jacinto Dala, Gilberto, and Mabululu.
DR Congo vs. Guinea: Friday, February 2
(Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan, 11 pm)
DR Congo, yet to secure a win in the competition, squares off against Guinea at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan on Friday, February 2.
Guinea, propelled by Mohamed Bayo’s impactful performances, aims to continue their success. DR Congo, eyeing a repeat of their 2009 CHAN triumph, will face a motivated Guinean side.
Mali vs. Ivory Coast: Saturday, February 3
(Stade de la Paix, Bouake, 8 pm)
Hosts Côte d’Ivoire, who eliminated defending champions Senegal in a penalty shootout, face Mali at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake on February 3. Côte d’Ivoire seeks redemption after a disappointing group stage, banking on Sébastien Haller’s return. Mali, despite a shaky start, showed improvement against Burkina Faso in the round of 16.
Cape Verde vs. South Africa: Saturday, February 3
(Charles Konan Banny Stadium, Yamoussoukro, 11 pm)
Undefeated Cape Verde takes on South Africa at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro on February 3. South Africa, having ousted 2022 World Cup semi-finalists Morocco, faces a resilient Cape Verde side.
The Blue Sharks, with a smooth run in the competition, rely on their experienced squad against South Africa’s talents like Evidence Makgopa, Percy Tau, and Themba Zwane.
Semi-Finals: Wednesday, February 7
Winner of Nigeria or Angola vs Winner of Cape Verde or South Africa
(Stade de la Paix, Bouake, 8 pm)
Winner of Mali or Ivory Coast vs Winner of DR Congo or Guinea
(Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan, 11 pm)
Third-Place Play-off:
Saturday, February 10
Loser of Semi-Final 1 vs. Loser of Semi-Final 2
(Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan, 11 pm)
Final
Sunday, February 11:
Winner of Semi-Final 1 vs. Winner of Semi-Final 2
(Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan, 11 pm)
No Guts No Glory – Round of 16 Review
South Africa Stuns Morocco to Reach Quarter-Finals
South Africa’s Bafana Bafana booked their spot in the quarter-finals of the African Cup of Nations after defeating the best-ranked team in Africa, Morocco.
Evidence Makgopa’s 57th-minute goal, confirmed after a VAR check, proved to be the difference-maker.
Morocco, missing key players due to injuries, struggled with accuracy in front of goal. Hakimi’s missed penalty in the 85th minute further compounded their woes.
Sofyan Amrabat’s stoppage-time red card and Teboho Mokoena’s free-kick sealed the 2-0 upset victory for South Africa.
Morocco, missing key players, squandered numerous opportunities, including Hakimi’s missed penalty in the 85th minute.
Sofyan Amrabat’s stoppage-time red card and Teboho Mokoena’s free-kick sealed the memorable win for South Africa.
The 1996 champions will now face Cape Verde in the quarter-finals.
Mali Sets Up Quarter-Final Clash vs Ivory Coast
Mali secured a spot in the quarter-finals by defeating Burkina Faso 2-1, with an early own goal and a second-half finish by Lassine Sinayoko.
Mali dominated possession (56%) and had 14 shots compared to Burkina Faso’s 8, with 4 shots on target each.
Edmond Tapsoba’s own goal gave Mali the early lead, and Lassine Sinayoko extended it in the second half.
Despite Bertrand Traore’s penalty goal, Burkina Faso couldn’t mount a comeback. Mali, making it to the last eight for the first time since 2013, will now face hosts Ivory Coast in the quarter-finals.
