A number of the big stars failed to live up to the billing, from Riyad Mahrez to Mo Salah to Sadio Mane and of course the collective disappointment that was World Cup Semi finalist, Morocco.

The Ivory Coast have hosted a tournament that has endeared it’s heart to many and as also won many hearts across the globe. Here are the standout performers at the just concluded African Cup of Nations in a 3-4-3 formation:

In goal is Ronwen Williams; South Africa’s captain won the hearts of many after his heroics in the quarter-finals against Cape Verde; where he stopped four of the five penalties he saved. Now, Ronwen is not just about saving penalties; he is also credited with arguably the save of the tournament with his last gasp save against Cape Verde.

The Mamelodi Sundowns stopper brought is brilliant club form to the continental show piece, leaving an indelible mark.

At right center bank is Mothobi Mvala; another member of the Mamelodi Sundowns’ contingent to the AFCON. A tall, capable and dependable defender; good on his feet and very useful in the air. Mvala was a resilient and competent performer for the Bafana Bafana as they got to the Semi Finals for the first time since year 2000.

My left center back is captain of the Leopards of the Democratic Republic of Congo; Chancel Mbemba; a seasoned campaigner on the continent and a great leader to the DRC’s best performance at the AFCON in recent memory.

Nigerian Captain and CAF’s player of the tournament; William Troost Ekong had a fantastic tournament. Troost Ekong’s story at this AFCON is that of reinvention. Many had written him off and wondered why he made the final list but he put his best foot forward to lead Nigeria to a second place finish, contributing to the cause with three goals.

In Midfield, Frank ”The Tank” Onyeka was a stellar performer in Nigeria’s campaign at this AFCON and was instrumental every aspect of the game that was good for Nigeria. Teboho Mokoena takes the second place in midfield after an industrious and energetic performance for the Bafana Bafana; one of the highlights of this AFCON was his sensational freekick to knockout Morocco in the first knockout round.

On the right side of midfield is Frank Kessie; one of the unsung heroes of Ivory Coast’s unlikely AFCON victory; his pressure penalties in the game against Senegal and his equalizer against Nigeria sets him apart as one of the competitions top performers.

On the left is Gelson Dala; Angola’ top scorer and chief entertainer; had a brilliant campaign that not only entertained but won many hearts leading to a quarter final finish for the Palancas Negras.

Upfront is Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman; who finished the competition with three goals for the Super Eagles but showed a desire to be involved in other aspects of the game with his tenacity and industry.

The break out star at this AFCON, Simon Adingra was the right pick me up the hosts needed. Introduced at just the right time in this tournament with an equalizer against Mali and his Man of the man showing in the final against Nigeria

Leading the line is tournament top scorer; Emialino Nsue of the Equatorial Guinea. He may not have made it pass the first knockout round or even contrived to miss a penalty; his exploits in the group phase, separates him from other strikers at this tournament.

Manager of the AFCON is none other than Emerson Fae; the first man to win a continental title off a new manager bounce; but he must be commended for the changes and the reintroduction of the more experienced players back into the Ivorian line up.

There are other players who are worthy of mention ; Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabali who emerged from no where to become Nigeria’s number 1 goalie.

Babacar Niasse of Mauritania was another that caught the eye; along with Lamine Camara of Senegal; who was a bright spark in an otherwise disappointing Senegalese team, potentially a future captain of the Teranga Lions of Senegal.

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African football is heading in the direction where; only those that invest with a developmental mindset will reap the bounties accruable to such an approach.

Morocco are leading the way on the African continent with respect to investing in the future of the game with a triangular approach to football development. The Triangular approach involves; investment in infrastructure, talent identification and human capital investment. Over the last five years or so; this has been the plan of the Moroccan football authorities; they have built some of the finest centres of excellence across the country to develop the next generation of footballers.

They have expanded their scouting and talent identification drag net to spot players of Moroccan descent all over the world; that may be willing to play for the national team. Crucially they also have adequately funded the training of their coaches across all levels.

Whilst some would say the appointment of Walid Regragui was a gamble; he had however just won the CAF Champions League for Wydad Casablanca just a few months ago. However, that is not the story; a few years ago a list of young Moroccan coaches was circulated on Social Media showing some of the World’s elite coaches that they were to follow, study and adopt their style; Walid Regragui was one of the coaches on that list.

The country is reaping these fruits bountifully; just look at how Morocco has somewhat dominated African football in the last year. Morocco are champions of the continent in club football on two fronts, Finalist at the African Women’s Nations Cup; FAR Rabat Ladies are Champions of the CAF Women’s Champions League, only a matter of time before the Men’s team win Africa’s biggest prize in the form of the AFCON.

Morocco have been a delight to watch; combining great attacking play with solid defensive organization. They have shown little respect to their so-called more illustrious counterparts. The Atlas Lions have played with a hunger and desire that is unusual to any previous Moroccan side from their recent history.

The Atlas lions are historically recorded breakers and pacesetters; they were the first African team to make it into the 2nd round of the World Cup in 1986. In 2022; they now aim to go where no other African team has been before; the Semi-finals. Ghana were a penalty and a shootout away from the Semis in 2010; this Moroccan side have shown that they have the desired mental toughness to get the job done.

If you are a fan of good omens or a believer in De Ja Vu, Morocco defeated Portugal in 1986 to achieve the record-breaking feat of landing in the second round; now in 2022; Portugal also stand in their way of breaking another record in this instance. What or Who is to say Walid Regragui and his band of Moroccan merry men won’t achieve this great feat? This is Africa’s time and a time for the previously asleep Atlas Lions to roar their way back to where they belong.

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Saudi Arabia and Japan have set the Asian confederation on a frenzy, after the exploits of their national teams. It is not usual for two of football’s powerhouses to lose in back-to-back days to teams ranked and considered as complete outsiders.

The Saudi’s led by Frenchman Herve Renard defeated a Lionel Messi-led Argentine team that many consider favourites. This victory was reminiscent of Cameroon’s victory at Italia ’90 of then World Champions, Argentina led by the legendary Diego Maradona. Nobody, absolutely no one gave the men from the Oil rich nation a chance to get a draw not to talk of a win. It was a performance of not just grit, discipline, and tenacity; they added some flair; especially with the quality of the goals they scored. It was party time in Mecca and its environs; the Saudis have arrived in Qatar and they mean business.

They say lightning doesn’t strike twice at the same spot; well in this case, I guess it’s safe to say that notion is at an end. Japan helped rubbish this notion with a performance for the ages against football aristocrats; Germany. Japan had in their lineup a number of Bundesliga based players; so this was somewhat personal for the Blue Samurai and they deserved their win. Germany and Argentina were both disappointing; they failed to find that cutting edge and with some smart tinkering from the Herve Renard and Hajime Moriyasu during the halftime interval; both teams were able to exploit gaps in their opponents defence.

Tunisia, who I had completely written off going by their past performances at the World Cup put up a spirited display against a highly rated Danish to grab a well deserved draw to finally have points on the board. Their fellow North Africans Morocco were quite bold in their overall approach as they faced 2018 finalists, Croatia, also playing a 0-0.

Finally the African teams are off the mark but yet to score; two points from a possible 9 doesn’t make for good reading but has a semblance of progress to get everyone excited for what’s to come with Ghana and Cameroon still to play. This World Cup has shown that anything can happen and it’s already happening. My prediction of Senegal and maybe Ghana getting through might just be changed as I like the look of Morocco; they are mobile, adventurous and look like they can take on anyone.

On the strength of what I have seen in Group F; the Atlas Lions stand a good chance to get at least four more points to make it through to the next round.

This World Cup is still unravelling and I am loving it.

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Whilst the performance was encouraging from the Teranga Lions of Senegal, they still fell short of delivering the desired result. African teams continue to depend on their physical attributes but we all know that at this stage this is never enough to get a team to the next level.

African teams need to be better technically and more efficient especially in the final third. This is the particular area in which the Senegalese fell short on the night. These are my five major conclusions from Senegal’s first game at Qatar 2022:

Solid press and defensively compact

I like the way the Senegalese set up from the on-set; well organized and compact. In fact, the Netherlands’ first goal was their first shot on target; that was a testament to how well drilled this Senegal team are. They set into a low block quite well; but pressed aggressively on occasion. Now the beauty in the Senegalese press was that it wasn’t haphazard or just for the thought or fun of pressing; it was constructive and deliberate. It’s quite unfortunate they were lacking in critical areas and not good enough when and where it counts the most.

Cutting the passing lanes

The Dutch are know for their desire to boss possession and find those crucial passes in between the lines. The midfield three of  Idrissa Gana Gueye, Nampalys Mendy and Cheikhou Kouyate were excellent in his role in midfield; sometimes switching to a double pivot allowing the third man in midfield to join the press.

Aliou Cisse’s men made it difficult for the Dutch to find those passing lines to split the Senegalese defense; all due to the brilliant work of the midfield trio.

Poor deliveries at Set pieces

Senegal, for all the height and presence they possess going into the Dutch box at set pieces, were quite poor with their deliveries. I mentioned in my preview that I felt the lack of creativity in the Senegalese midfield would be a major drawback for them.  Idrissa Gana Gueye was the main culprit as he was the designated set piece taker for the Senegalese. Isn’t it ironic that the Dutch took the lead off a quality delivery into the box; something the Senegalese struggled with all game.

Mane is a huge miss

I was one of the first to say the Senegalese need to snap out of Sadio Mane’s unavailability at this World Cup but you could clearly see how much of a miss his presence was in that team. His leadership, the guile and precision at which he plays with would have complimented  the efforts of Ismalia Sarr up front.

A lack of concentration

It is symptomatic of African teams to lose concentration at the later part of football matches at this level; we can catalogue the number of times African teams were so close to earning a decent result only for things to take an unexpected turn. Edouard Mendy will take the bulk of the blame on both goals; if a goalie must come for a cross into the box; he just has to get there and also make the forward know it. The spill for the second goal is totally unacceptable.

There’s still some hope for Senegal though; their next game is against Qatar. I expect them to win that to set up a winner take all clash with Ecuador to qualify from the group.

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Africa heads to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar without its best player. Will this spell doom for the entire continent or will it inspire a reawakening of the continent’s five representatives?

Senegal

The Teranga Lions of Senegal head to the World Cup as African Champions and probably the best placed team to lead Africa’s onslaught on the Mundial. Unfortunately; the Senegalese will be without their best player and talisman; Sadio Mane, due to injury which has casted much more doubt as to the timing of this World Cup.

The unavailability of Mane is a huge blow to the chances of the Senegalese; however, they have a squad filled with some quality attacking talent. Nicolas Jackson just burst unto scene with Villarreal this season. He sure will be relishing his chances of getting playing time at the World Cup while the likes of Bamba Dieng and Ismailia Sarr will trouble many defences at this tournament.

With so much attacking talent; Senegal look like they can cope without Mane; the problem has to be a lack of creativity in midfield. Senegal has a generation of midfielders that are alike. Plenty of steel, power and industry but very little panache. Some may say this is a problem that Senegal takes care of easily with it’s pace from wide areas; however, at this level, teams need something extra; an X factor that sets you apart from others.

Aliou Cisse’s men are in Group A; alongside the hosts, Qatar, Netherlands and Ecuador and this looks like a pretty straight forward group but Ecuador are the tricky proposition in there. Host countries are always dangerous propositions but Qatar would just enjoy the spectacle they have put together and Netherlands are a proper tournament team and one many aren’t taking a close look at, which is puzzling.

Verdict: Senegal are one of three African countries to have gotten to the quarter finals of the World Cup; I think they stand a chance of doing it again.

Tunisia

The Cartage Eagles of Tunisia are one team that baffle many on how they consistently seem to find their way to the World Cup only to produce underwhelming performances at the big show piece.

Tunisia are reaping the benefit of years of investment in the game domestically; combined with a new generation of talent springing up across Europe.

This is the foundation on which Tunisia’s recent participation at World Cups is built on; back to back appearances; even though they are the only current African representative that hasn’t gone beyond the group stage. Tunisia on the other hand are only second behind Cameroon on World Cup appearances which should count for something.

Tunisia find themselves in a very tough group with defending champions France, Denmark and Australia where they are obviously least favourite to qualify out of. This is a Tunisia side that has a lot of experience and a sprinkle of youth; as well as a blend of African based and European based players with Wahbi Khazri providing leadership. In Hannibal Mejbri, Tunisia have a talent a lot is expected from but he’s had a tough season in the English Championship and is yet to match his talent with great output.

Verdict: It very much looks like another first round exit is on the cards for the Tunisians; I just can’t see them getting out of this group.

Morocco

The Atlas Lions of Morocco have similarities to their North African neighbours Tunisia but have a better World Cup performance record. Morocco were the first African team to make it past the first round; even though that was an age ago. The prospects and expectations from this Morocco side are quite high; they have a big foreign based contingent now as they have lately called on their diaspora base to represent the country. Morocco have a current generation of talent plying their trade at some of the biggest clubs in the world mixed with their recent domination of African Club Football with the likes of Wydad, Raja and RS Berkane; the Atlas Lions seem to be right on track.

Morocco are in a very tough group; even though on paper they have a good looking team; they lack the experience at this level bar Canada. In Belgium and Croatia; you have the third and second placed teams from the last World cup in their group with an overload of World Cup experience.

In Hakim Ziyech and Ashraf Hakim; Morocco have two players that can light up any stage and a lot will depend on them if the Atlas Lions are to advance.

Verdict: It’s hard; very, to see Morocco progress from this group.

Ghana

The Black Stars of Ghana, along with Cameroon and Senegal are Africa’s most successful team at the World Cup, but this is their first appearance at the World Cup since 2014. The Black Stars team looks a lot different from the team that got qualification at the expense of the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Coach Otto Addo has tinkered with the team since qualification and called in the Calvary from the Diaspora with the switch in nationality of the likes of Inaki Williams and Tariq Lamptey adding some quality to an otherwise lukewarm Black Stars team. In Mohammed Kudus; Ghana have a player that can turn things around in an instance and with the switch of nationality by Williams; the Black Stars solve their problems in front of goal post Asamoah Gyan.

The Ghanaians look like a great prospect on paper; the question is will all these new components gel quickly and smoothly. In Group H, Ghana lock horns with their nemesis from 2010 in Uruguay; stacked Portugal and interesting South Korea. The job for Ghana is made tougher with a opening fixture against former European Champions Portugal; not a great way to get a World cup campaign going; so the two games against Uruguay and South Korea are make or mar for the Black Stars.

Verdict: Four points from their last two matches may be Ghana’s route out of this group; will they get the points? A tough proposition.

Cameroon

The indomitable Lions of Cameroon did the unlikely by going to Algiers to earn qualification under the guidance of Rigobert Song; a former captain and inspirational leader of many great Cameroon sides. Under Song, Cameroon has shown a stronger defensive mettle and confidence that has set them up for a strong showing at this World Cup.

Cameroon have an impressive forward line with Bayern’s Eric-Maxim Choupo Moting in the form of his life; the pace and aggression that comes with Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo  and the experience of Vincent Aboubakar make Cameroon look like a great prospect. The question marks remain in the defense for the Lions as this must be the least capable defensive component in ages; the likes of Martin Hongla and Zambo Anguissa will provide the required industry and guile; but it just may not be enough.

Cameroon are in Group G alongside favourites Brazil, Switzerland and Serbia; a tough prospect if you ask me. Unfortunately, I do not know how Cameroon will navigate their way out of this group.

Verdict: Despite all of Samuel Etoo’s encouraging words and bravado; Cameroon’s campaign will end in the  group stage.

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AFCON finally came to an end with a wonderful closing ceremony to celebrate the true essence of Africa and what makes it a unique continent.

Say what you like about Cameroon and some of the issues before and during the competition, this was a wonderful spectacle for African football and how much it has grown in leaps and bounds over the last few years, with the gap considerably closer between the so-called superpowers and the minnows.

There is a cliché that is bounced around in Nigeria, “There are no longer minnows in world football.” The minnows still exist but many are coming up through the ashes and developing their football with a more robust approach, focusing on grassroots football development and investments in infrastructure.

This AFCON provided us with several countries breaking the glass ceiling, demonstrating their ability to compete with the ”big boys”. This is because more countries have access to export their players to mainland Europe to better-organized leagues, invariably closing the otherwise or previously wide gap.

The Surprises

The likes of Comoros, Cape Verde, Malawi, Equatorial Guinea and Gambia threatened to destroy the established order of African football with their exploits at this AFCON. It was refreshing to watch these teams play and punch above their weight, demonstrating the universal nature of the beautiful game and why we have come to love it so much.

Many followers of African football may not have been surprised by these exploits as some have been pushing the envelope from the qualification rounds of the AFCON and the World Cup. Gambia with their explosive counter-attacking style had been ruffling feathers and Cape Verde had just months before the AFCON dashed the hopes of Nigerian fans by holding the Super Eagles to a draw in Lagos.

Comoros had been gaining ground gradually and so had Malawi especially within the COSAFA region, with Equatorial Guinea were more or less seeking to get into the next phase after the previous quarter-final exits at previous AFCON’s. It is time to take a keen interest in what these countries are doing differently to cause a steer as they can no longer be ignored.

The Flops

Every disappointment is a blessing for some other person, in this case, a country. Ghana and Algeria were huge disappointments at this AFCON. The expectation was very high for Algeria especially, fresh off winning the Arab Cup and maintaining their unbeaten record that had existed for over three years. Both countries finished rock bottom of their groups with a solitary one point on the board for their efforts.

The Nearly Men

These are teams that were impressive during the group stage but could not find the energy and resolve to go even further. Nigeria, Morocco and Ivory Coast comfortably fall into this category. It was quite disappointing watching the Super Eagles being dumped out by the underwhelming Tunisians.

After a perfect and flawless group stage, Nigeria looked like the best-equipped side with their impressive win against eventual finalist Egypt in their first group game. Morocco looked like this was going to be their year as well after an impressive group stage passage just like Nigeria, but frustrated by North African rivals Egypt in an ill-tempered encounter in the quarter-finals saw them bow out of the competition.

The Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire also lost their goal-scoring boots after their 4-1 humiliation of Algeria and they looked irresistible going forward but fell at the hands of the plucky and pragmatic Egyptians. The Ivorians can look ahead to the next AFCON on home soil and hope to add to their two AFCON triumphs.

The Final Four

Burkina Faso gave a good account of themselves and they would have loved to get to the final just like they did in 2013, but the Senegalese super-power stood in the way of their passage to the final. Cameroon scored the most goals but fell at the point of their toughest test as the plucky Egyptians again dashed the hopes of the host.

For the Egyptians, many did not give them much of a chance after losing their opening game to Nigeria. They looked pragmatic, raising questions of Mohamed Salah’s adaptability and suitability outside Liverpool.

The Pharaohs did what they had to do to get to the final as every knockout game went to extra time and three straight penalty shootouts. This is not the Egypt we know, but then in tournament football, you just do what you have to do to get the desired return.

Senegal finally have a golden generation that fulfilled its potential. This triumph is a culmination of many years of work under the much-criticized Aliou Cisse. He finally extracted full value from this hugely talented side and the whole of Senegal can celebrate finally joining Africa’s football elite. The next phase will be if they can dominate like Egypt, Cameroon and Ghana have done with this competition, but we just have to wait and see.

AFCON Best 11

Mohammed Abou Gabal (Egypt); Achraf Hakimi (Morocco), Ghislain Konan (Ivory Coast), Ahmed Diallo (Senegal), Mohamed Abdelmonem (Egypt); Colin Fai (Cameroon), Gustavo Sangaré (Burkina Faso), Idris Gana Gueye (Senegal); Karl Toko Ekambi (Cameroon), Sadio Mane (Senegal), Vincent Aboubakar (Cameroon)

Notable Mentions

Moses Simon (Nigeria), Nicolas Pepe (Ivory Coast), Edmond Tapsoda (Burkina Faso), Blati Toure (Burkina Faso), Saliou Ciss (Senegal), Omar Kamal (Egypt), Ibrahim Sangare (Ivory Coast), Amadou Haidara (Mali), Bertrand Traore (Burkina Faso), Sofiane Boufal (Morocco)

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The third-place match is one that should have been scrapped a long time ago, but based on last night’s entertaining instalment, it needs to stay and hopefully the final can provide the same.

Sadio Mane takes on Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah in the 33rd Final of the African Cup of Nations.

Senegal and Egypt have grown and paced themselves into progression with every match. Senegal needed an injury-time penalty to get the better of Zimbabwe and Egypt lost their opening game to Nigeria. Many observers worried about the display of both sides as they looked a shadow of their explosive selves.

Both teams meet in the final for the first time. The Pharaohs are aiming for their eighth AFCON title whilst the Taranga Lions are seeking their first triumph. The Senegalese have been here on two previous occasions, losing both after a penalty shootout loss to Cameroon in 2002 and a lone goal loss to Algeria at the last AFCON.

Senegal have paid their dues on the African continent and two golden generations have failed to lift African football’s holy grail. Now is the time for Aliou Cisse to finally crown his excellent work as Senegal coach after all these years. A victory in the final will clear all doubts on the credentials of this current generation of Senegalese footballers.

At this AFCON, Egypt under Carlos Queiroz are an unusual kettle of fish. Egypt have moved through the gears in every phase of this competition, scoring only four goals so far.

Senegal, on the other hand, have found their goal-scoring boots in the knockout rounds after scoring only a goal to qualify top of their group. Eight goals in the knockout stages with three goals scored in back-to-back games has Senegal looking irresistible, but then this is Egypt.

Cisse’s side face their toughest test in the competition so far with all due respect to the teams they have faced at this AFCON. Egypt are the gold standard, the most successful team in AFCON history and any game against them is never easy. The Pharaohs have navigated extra-time throughout the knockout stages with penalty shootouts victories against Ivory Coast and hosts Cameroon.

Senegal’s explosive front three against Egypt’s resolute and organised defence seems to read just one thing, a cagey and tight final with probably a solitary goal to separate both sides. The time is now for Senegal to be crowned African Champions for the first time and all the hard work of the last few years deserves to be rewarded with an AFCON title.

Egypt are a dangerous side just like every defensively solid and compact team but Senegal have also shown defensive solidity, conceding only two goals so far. It is time for the AFCON trophy to find a new home and time to have a new name on the trophy.

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24 teams started the quest to be crowned Africa’s champion, now we are down to the final four.

The semi-finals are upon us but can we comfortably say these are the best four teams on the continent? Now that is a conversation that will divide opinions.

As with every major sporting event, an extended run by the host country is required to ensure that attention from a domestic standpoint helps to boost the competition. Cameroon have been good hosts on the pitch, scoring the most goals so far and providing the tournament’s two top goalscorers. Off the pitch, they have left plenty to be desired but will be counting down to February 6th to get this all done and dusted.

Cameroon, Egypt, Burkina Faso and Senegal make up our final four. Will we have a repeat of the opening game between Cameroon and Burkina Faso or will a final made on Merseyside grace the African stage? We are just two matches away from knowing the identity of the 33rd set of finalists for Africa’s top football competition.

Burkina Faso v Senegal

The Stallions of Burkina Faso stand a chance to make it to only their second final in AFCON history but standing in their way is another golden generation of Senegalese football, who are looking to reach consecutive finals and also finally lift the holy grail that has eluded them.

The Burkinabes have played with heart and a sprinkle of indiscipline here and there, but they are worthy of their place in the final four. Senegal has grown into the competition and are finally showing their ruthlessness in front of goal as the flood gates were opened in the quarter-finals.

Burkina Faso will potentially have two forwards missing for this clash, hence a returning Bertrand Traore is a very welcome addition and would be expected to lead the Stallions to the final. Senegal have a few returnees, in particular, Ismaïla Sarr who got on the score sheet on his return and seemed to be peaking at the right time.

This will be a blood and thunder clash and do not be surprised if we get a sending off in this one. There may be extra time on the cards for this one and it is anybody’s game to win.

Cameroon v Egypt

Five AFCON triumphs versus seven AFCON successes. The two most decorated teams in the history of the competition go head-to-head in a repeat of the 2017 final clash which Cameroon won. The Indomitable Lions have scored the most goals so far in the competition and look unstoppable in attack, but the Pharaohs look like a solid unit defensively.

Carlos Queiroz’s side has also grown into the tournament after their defeat in the first game against Nigeria. Mohamed Salah is finally ticking and having a greater influence on the games. Egypt’s resoluteness has been quite impressive, coming from behind to get the better of Morocco proves that they cannot be taken lightly.

Cameroon will have the home crowd cheering them on which the Egyptians need to block off and remain steadfast in their pursuit for an eighth AFCON title. This one also seems like it would go the full 120 minutes for a finalist to emerge.

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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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Nine points and a perfect record in the group stage of any competition is a poison chalice.

It puts a large target on your back with the possibility of the team peaking too early as others grow into the competition.

The African Cup of Nations starts now and the men have been separated from the boys despite the elimination of African superpowers like Ghana and Algeria. The Round of 16 is our next port of call and it promises to deliver intrigues and potentially a few upsets.

The Round of 16 has already begun with several tasty ties and it will most certainly deliver at least one upset as this year’s AFCON has been shaped on some shock results.

Burkina Faso v Gabon

Gabon has been quite impressive with how they have responded on the pitch to all the negative press that led to their participation at this AFCON. Also, the absence of their talisman and captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has not affected the team as they have played with freedom and no inhibitions.

On the other hand, Burkina Faso has not been as impressive as many expected. The Burkinabes have displayed some level of naivety in their play but managed to hold on to finish second in their group just ahead of Cape Verde.

Burkina Faso go in as favourites to progress to the quarter-finals but that would hinge on them being very discipline to cut out some of those nasty and unnecessary tackles, otherwise, they would leave the door open for Gabon to take full advantage.

Nigeria v Tunisia

Tunisia has failed to impress at this AFCON and only snuck on the last day of the group stage. The fluidity we have come to be accustomed to from the Tunisians seems to be lacking in this team, but like every team from North Africa, they are still very dangerous and they know how to frustrate their opponents.

Nigeria qualified with the best record from the group stage, securing three wins from three, very impressive and heartwarming for many followers of the Super Eagles. What makes Nigeria particularly dangerous has to be the fact the goal-scoring burden is been shared around the team. Six goals scored, six different goalscorers and one goal conceded from the penalty spot which shows their solidity in defence.

Both teams have history as Nigeria defeated Tunisia at the previous AFCON to claim third place, however, Tunisia defeated Nigeria on route to winning their only AFCON trophy in 2004. The Super Eagles have all it takes to get the better of the Cartage Eagles, but still, the match has the makings of a truly intriguing contest that is not as straightforward as some would think.

Guinea v Gambia

This matchup has the makings of a proper slugfest with neither giving up an inch. Gambia has been very impressive at their maiden AFCON progressing from a group that had Tunisia and Mali. The Scorpions’ pace upfront would worry any team and Guinea will have to be at their best to close up the gaps that the likes of Musa Barrow and Ablie Jallow would be seeking to exploit.

Guinea has not impressed and progressed into the knockout stages as one of the best third-placed teams, finishing behind Malawi and losing to Zimbabwe on the final matchday of the group stage. The National Elephants are also expected to miss captain Naby Keita for this crucial clash against Gambia.

Cameroon v Comoros

A proper David v Goliath match-up, and there is only one question that needs answering, can Comoros eliminate another giant out of the competition? They have already knocked out four-time champions Ghana, however, can they knock out the host?

A quick look at the bookies shows that Comoros’ odds to win are 47/1, truly ridiculous odds should the small island nation pull off the biggest upset in AFCON history.

Cameroon has looked good so far but looks suspect with set pieces and balls over the top. In tournament top scorer and captain, Vincent Aboubakar, they are well armed to make light work of Comoros to progress to the next round, however, the Coelacanths will still put in a fight to justify their place among the best 16 teams in Africa.

Senegal v Cape Verde

When this draw was decided, everyone was caught in two minds. On one side, you feel that Senegal may explode into this competition now and just steamroll everyone in their path after a poor group stage performance, but on the other hand, looking at what Cape Verde has achieved in the last few years, this just feels like a match that has upset written all over it.

Senegal has lacked a cutting edge all through the tournament and has found goals hard to come by, whereas Cape Verde have proven their full worth in this competition and only finished third on goals difference. If Senegal are to progress into the next stage, all components of their team need to start ticking otherwise this golden generation would be another set of underachievers.

Morocco v Malawi

Malawi, another of the surprise teams of this AFCON, finished second in a group that had Senegal and Guinea and held the former side to a goalless draw which is no mean feat. They will approach this game with confidence and the belief that they can match their opposition.

Morocco has grown into the competition after a laboured victory against Ghana, a better performance against Comoros and an end-to-end battle with Gabon. The quality of the Atlas Lions squad is gradually coming through despite the omission of Hakim Ziyech with the likes of Sofiane Boufal having a good tournament so far.

Ivory Coast v Egypt

This is a blockbuster match-up that would be fit for a final any day. Ivory Coast has looked like one of the better sides in this AFCON while the Pharaohs of Egypt have looked quite ordinary and uninspiring despite the presence of their superstar, Mohamed Salah.

If the Ivorians can exert control in this game, they will get the better of the Egyptians. The Elephants’ strength lies in their physical attributes and their pace on the flanks which will trouble their opponents, especially if they line up with a back three.

Once the Ivorians utilise the volume of chances they create, they would qualify comfortably. Egypt would love to stay in the game as much as possible, employing a counter-attacking style against an Ivorian defence that has shown vulnerability with teams that set up this way with quick transitions.

Mali v Equatorial Guinea

Equatorial Guinea did the unthinkable by ending Algeria’s long-standing unbeaten run, finishing with back-to-back wins to progress from their group as runners-up. Mali topped their group with an over-dependence on penalties.

Mali has a strong and physical team with the impressive duo of Amadou Haidara and Yves Bissouma running things from midfield. Mali would be good value to advance and this will be as far as Equatorial Guinea’s endeavours can take them.

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