AFCON 2022 Quarter-Final Preview: A flurry of red cards and a continuing Cinderella story

Criticize this AFCON all you want but it has delivered entertainment beyond what many expected.

The number of upsets has added a different kind of flavour to events and has won the so-called smaller nations many admirers.

The round of 16 was filled with intrigues everywhere you looked and it did not disappoint for the level of drama and intrigue it provided.

Although, on a disappointing note, the volume of red cards issued threatened to destroy an enjoyable tournament with this year’s competition having more red cards than the last four editions combined. The referees were too trigger-happy and the use of VAR has become too subjective.

To the main matter at hand, the quarter-finals are upon us and there looks to be a surprise or two on the horizon with three games to touching the holy grail of African football. There will be no room for errors or below-par performances as it promises to be an intriguing final eight.

Cameroon v Gambia

The hosts continue to march on but would look back at the round of 16 game against Comoros as a lucky escape as things may have been different if the Islanders had the full complement of their squad.

Gambia, on the other hand, is loving every minute of their time in the spotlight. Coach Tom Saintfiet is the man of the moment as his side continues to play with freedom and in a relaxed mood. Gambia have absolutely nothing to fear, and with that in mind, would be pumped to create another upset.

The Scorpions have left nothing to chance, ensuring that they conducted their independent COVID-19 tests to avoid stories that may touch the heart and lead to losing some prominent team members through potential positive cases.

Burkina Faso v Tunisia

Tunisia against all odds got the better of the much-fancied Nigeria. Many have described their win as a tactical masterclass despite multiple COVID-19 positive tests and the absence of their Head Coach in the dugout.

Burkina Faso got through a grilling match against Gabon to get here after penalty shootouts but will have their work cut out against a solid technical and tactical side who are comfortable sitting back, hoping to take advantage on the break.

Tunisia definitely head into this tie as favourites and that tag is fully deserved. They may also have a few players back in the squad which provides a luxury of options for the North Africans.

Egypt v Morocco

A North African derby to grace the Quarter Finals of an AFCON as the most successful team in the history of the competition take on the most watchable side of the tournament so far.

Morocco has underachieved on the international stage for too long but seem like they are on the verge of cracking it. An impressive group stage performance and a come-from-behind result against Malawi led by the magnificent Achraf Hakimi saw them reach the last eight of the competition.

The Pharaohs of Egypt on the other hand have been underwhelming so far with only two goals scored in the competition despite having one of the top footballers in world football leading the line. Carlos Queiroz needs his team to start showing the attacking intent that the team is capable of if they are wanting to reach the final.

Morocco will fancy their chances against this Egyptian side and a chance to get to the Semi-Finals for the first time since 2004.

Senegal v Equatorial Guinea

Equatorial Guinea make it to the Quarter-Final again causing upset after upset with a penalty shoot-out win against much-fancied Mali. The oil-rich country can continue to dream at this point to continue their Cinderella run as Senegal stand in their way of making their first semi-finals in AFCON history.

Senegal has also not been at their best. A controversial victory over Cape Verde where the referee had a terrible performance on the pitch saw them make it through to the last eight. The Sadio Mane concussion controversy may have been put to rest, but still, Senegal have been poor and this is somewhat worrisome.

Senegal is known to be an explosive attacking side but they seem to be showing a different side to them, defensively solid and resolute have been the hallmark of this unusual Taranga Lions side. If Equatorial Guinea are to continue in this tournament, they may have to take the game to extra-time or a penalty shootout.

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