By Omotosho Victor Fiyinfoluwa(SIWES student, Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti)
The group stage matches of the Africa Cup of Nations concluded on Wednesday, witnessing surprising outcomes as underdog teams exited the tournament while unexpected contenders advanced to the Round of 16.
Cote d’Ivoire secured the fourth third-place spot as Morocco defeated Zambia 1-0, maintaining the Group F lead with seven points.
Among the Northern African teams, only Algeria managed to advance, securing just two points. Tunisia, however, failed to progress, resulting in the departure of their coach from the Carthage Eagles.
Namibia and Mauritania emerged as the most surprising teams to advance to the last 16 stage.
Here is the schedule for the Round of 16 matches, along with their venues:
Saturday:
- In Bouake: Angola vs Namibia (6:00pm)
- In Abidjan: Nigeria vs Cameroon (9:00pm)
Sunday:
- In Abidjan: Equatorial Guinea vs Guinea (6:00pm)
- In San Pedro: Egypt vs Democratic Republic of Congo (8:00pm)
Monday:
- In Abidjan: Cape Verde vs Mauritania (6:00pm)
- In Yamoussoukro: Senegal vs Ivory Coast (8:00pm)
Tuesday:
- In Korhogo: Mali vs Burkina Faso (6:00pm)
- In San Pedro: Morocco vs South Africa (8:00pm).
