The quarter-final stage of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations promises thrilling encounters as Nigeria, South Africa, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Angola, Cape Verde, Mali, and Congo DR vie for a spot in the semi-finals. This year’s last eight teams present a stark departure from the previous edition, with high-ranking teams like Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Senegal, and Algeria eliminated.
Nigeria, the highest-ranked team remaining, led by coach Jose Peseiro, faces Angola in a rare fixture. The Palancas Negras previously held the Super Eagles to a 1-1 draw in Kano, securing qualification for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Seeking revenge, Nigeria aims to continue its impressive form, having triumphed over Ivory Coast and Cameroon in earlier encounters, possibly dedicating a win to the late Sam Okwaraji, who tragically passed away during a World Cup qualifier in 1989.
Hosts Ivory Coast, having pulled off a dramatic victory over defending champions Senegal in the Round of 16, face Mali in a match that will test their growth as a team and the influence of home support.
South Africa, emerging as favorites after expertly dispatching World Cup semi-finalists Morocco, square off against Cape Verde in what fans on social media have dubbed ‘The Battle of the Tourist Destinations.’ Despite Cape Verde’s impressive group stage performance, Bafana Bafana must tread carefully against a team capable of causing upsets.
The quarter-finals will also witness Guinea taking on DR Congo, setting the stage for a potentially dramatic encounter. Congo is yet to secure a win in normal time, while Guinea’s Round of 16 match concluded dramatically with Mohamed Bayo scoring in the eighth minute of stoppage time to defeat Equatorial Guinea.
As the Africa Cup of Nations enters its business end, fans can anticipate high-stakes clashes, unexpected twists, and riveting drama in the quest for a coveted spot in the semi-finals.
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