The underdogs are relishing their second on the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the place the event has unfolded as a spectacular show of upsets, witnessing the elimination of main favorites.
Notably, World Cup semifinalists Morocco, defending champions Senegal, seven-time champions Egypt, five-time winners Cameroon, four-time champions Ghana and former winners Algeria and Tunisia have all been ousted.
Interestingly, not one of the eight quarterfinalists from the earlier Africa Cup version in Cameroon – Burkina Faso, Tunisia, Senegal, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Cameroon, Egypt and Morocco – have secured a spot within the final eight this time.
Furthermore, not one of the 5 African groups that participated within the 2022 World Cup – Cameroon, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia – have superior to the quarterfinals.
“This cup is actually troublesome. Lots of surprises,” Morocco coach Walid Regragui mentioned after their staff was upset by South Africa.
Four of the groups nonetheless in rivalry – Cape Verde, Angola, Guinea and Mali – have by no means secured victory within the Africa Cup, creating an thrilling dynamic.
Meanwhile, three-time champions Nigeria and the hosts Ivory Coast consider they’ve a big probability to clinch the trophy, with the potential to face one another within the ultimate.
Completing the combo, South Africa and Congo stand as the opposite remaining groups within the competitors.
Here is a more in-depth take a look at the quarterfinals, which begin Friday:
Naija-Angola affair
Nigeria are the favorites for a lot of after a formidable win over Cameroon within the final 16.
Jose Peseiro’s staff has grown because the event progressed, seemingly benefiting from a relaxed method to interactions with media and followers.
With his witty outlook and feedback, Peseiro himself has overcome criticism after poor pre-tournament outcomes to change into a favourite amongst Nigerian journalists, who’ve been asking for selfies with the Portuguese coach.
Previously a fear, Nigeria’s protection has change into a power, with just one purpose conceded to this point and none within the Super Eagles’ final three video games.
Napoli star Victor Osimhen has solely scored as soon as, however his tireless performances have impressed the remainder of the staff and earned accolades from followers who name his title.
Angola are again within the quarterfinals for the primary time since reaching the semifinals in 2008.
The Sable Antelopes recorded spectacular wins over Namibia, Burkina Faso, and Mauritania, whereas they drew with Algeria 2-2 of their opening recreation.
Forwards Gelson Dala (4 targets) and Mabululu (three) have collectively scored extra targets than the Nigerian staff (5). They will pose issues for his or her protection Friday within the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.
Central to West
Congo, which gained the final of their two titles in 1974, are but to win a recreation in regular time on this event.
After three attracts within the group stage, the Leopards overcame Egypt in a penalty shootout, with goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi scoring the successful spot kick to progress.
Guinea additionally had a dramatic finish to their final 16 match, with Mohamed Bayo scoring within the eighth minute of stoppage time to beat Equatorial Guinea.
It was the primary time the National Elephants had ever gained an Africa Cup knockout recreation.
Guinea was runner-up to Morocco in 1976, however that event had a special format.
Guinea play Congo within the 60,000-capacity Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan on Friday.
Ivory Coast, Mali renewal
Ivory Coast’s tension-filled win on penalties over defending champions Senegal has restored perception for a staff that appeared down and out after an embarrassing 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea.
Ecstatic Ivorians now consider the Elephants can go on to win what could be simply their third title after 1992 and 2015.
Forward Sebastien Haller is again after recovering from an ankle damage.
But Mali will present a powerful problem after topping a gaggle with South Africa, Namibia, and Tunisia and dominating in a 2-1 win over Burkina Faso.
Mali coach Eric Chelle was born in Abidjan and has mates among the many dwelling staff.
He will solely need to do them a favor after they meet in Bouake on Saturday.
Cape to Cape
The final quarterfinal will likely be a conflict between two groups which have thrilled as underdogs.
Cape Verde topped a gaggle together with heavyweights Egypt and Ghana and are again within the quarterfinals for the second time within the small Atlantic island nation’s fourth Africa Cup look.
Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha and ahead Ryan Mendes have performed in all 4 for the Blue Sharks.
South Africa, the 1996 winner, ousted Morocco on Tuesday.
Coach Hugo Broos beforehand led Cameroon to the title in Gabon in 2017. His hard-working, well-organized squad can go far once more with Mamelodi Sundowns veteran Themba Zwane and the wonderful Teboho Mokoena.
Bafana Bafana have additionally impressed with their singing earlier than video games. They face Cape Verde in Yamoussoukro on Saturday.
Source: www.dailysabah.com