The group stage of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations came to an end on Wednesday, with the 16 qualifiers for the knockout phase now confirmed.
A total of 89 goals were scored across the 36 group matches over the past two weeks. Some major casualties saw big names like Ghana, Algeria and Tunisia fail to make it through to the round of 16.
But the likes of host Ivory Coast, holders Senegal, Morocco five-time champions Cameroon and AFCON newcomers Gambia did progress. The round of 16 draw threw up some tantalizing fixtures for the start of the do-or-die knockout games.
Defending champions Senegal will take on Ivory Coast in a battle between two of the tournament heavyweights. Elsewhere, hosts Morocco face a test against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana.
Nigeria and Cameroon will renew their rivalry in another mouthwatering West African derby clash. Egypt versus DR Congo pits two former AFCON winners together.
The round of 16 begins on January 27 with Angola against Namibia, followed by Nigeria versus Cameroon. The ties will be played through to January 30.
From there, the path is set for the quarter-finals, semis and ultimately the final on February 12 as the new AFCON champion will be crowned.
Morocco coach Walid Regragui said: “Now the real tournament begins. Our focus is on the next match and we want to go far for our fans.”
With some big names falling in the groups, the door is open for a new name or lesser known nation to go on a surprise run. The expanded 24-team format has already provided plenty of excitement and drama.
And with the knockout stage now on the horizon, the 2023 AFCON is set for an intense conclusion to determine who will be lifting the trophy.
Below is the full Round Of 16 Fixtures
- Jan 27: Angola vs Namibia
- Jan 27: Nigeria vs Cameroon
- Jan 28: Equatorial Guinea vs Guinea
- Jan 28: Egypt vs DR Congo
- Jan 29: Cape Verde vs Mauritania
- Jan 29: Senegal vs Ivory Coast
- Jan 30: Mali vs Burkina Faso
- Jan 30: Morocco vs South Africa
Quarter-Finals
- Feb 2: Nigeria or Cameroon vs Angola or Namibia
- Feb 2: Egypt or DR Congo vs Equatorial Guinea or Guinea
- Feb 3: Cape Verde or Mauritania vs Morocco or South Africa
- Feb 3: Mali or Burkina Faso vs Senegal or Ivory Coast
Semi-Finals
- Feb 7: Nigeria/Cameroon/Angola/Namibia vs Cape Verde/Mauritania/Morocco/South Africa
- Feb 7: Egypt/DR Congo/Equatorial Guinea/Guinea vs Mali/Burkina Faso/Senegal/Ivory Coast
Third place play-off
- Feb 10 (Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, Abidjan)
Final
- Feb 11 (Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan)
