Quarter-Finals Set to Deliver Thrilling Matches at TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Côte d’lvoire 2023

The quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Côte d’lvoire 2023 are set to provide football fans with exhilarating matches. The knockout stage has already witnessed surprising exits of strong teams, including defending champions Morocco. Now, all eyes are on the upcoming quarter-final clashes.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will take on Angola in the first quarter-final match. Angola has been an underdog that has impressed throughout the tournament, while Nigeria enters the clash as one of the favorites. The defensive unity of Nigeria, comprising players like William Troost – Ekong, Calvin Bassey, and Semi Ajayi, will face a stern test against Angola’s potent attacking trio of Jacinto Dala, Gilberto, and Mabululu. This exciting encounter will be held at the iconic Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Republic of Congo (D.R Congo), yet to secure a victory in the competition, will face Guinea in the quarter-finals. Guinea has relied on the heroics of Mohamed Bayo, who scored important goals against Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea. D.R Congo, fueled by the desire to replicate their 2009 CHAN success, will give their all to overcome this equally motivated Guinean side. The match will be held at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan.

Host nation Cotê d’Ivoire displayed a solid performance in the round of 16, eliminating defending champions Senegal in a thrilling penalty shootout. Despite a disappointing group stage campaign, where Cotê d’Ivoire suffered defeats at the hands of Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea, they showed resilience in defense. However, their inability to score from open play in their last three matches raises concerns. With the return of Sébastien Haller, Cotê d’Ivoire hopes to rediscover their offensive prowess. Their opponents, Mali, faced a shaky start in the tournament but delivered an improved performance against Burkina Faso in the round of 16. The match will take place at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake.

The clash between Cape Verde and South Africa promises to be a thrilling encounter. Cape Verde enters the quarter-finals unbeaten, having performed impressively throughout the tournament. South Africa, on the other hand, stunned everyone by eliminating 2022 World Cup semi-finalist Morocco. Though inconsistent, South Africa possesses talented players such as Evidence Makgopa, Percy Tau, and Themba Zwane, who could pose a threat to Cape Verde’s resolute defense. However, Cape Verde, accustomed to facing experienced opposition, will rely on their tactical prowess to secure a victory. The match will be held at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro.