• D.R Congo, who are yet to win a game in regular time in the competition will have Guinea to deal with in the quarterfinals.
• Cotê d’Ivoire have failed to score from open play in their last three games and will be hoping to make amends with the return of Sébastien Haller upfront.
Image: CAFONLINE
The quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations is set to serve some interesting fixtures across the three host cities.
The round of 16 provided some exciting games coupled with shocks and some of the favorites ended up exiting the competition including defending champions and 2022 World Cup semifinalists, Morocco.
Nigeria v Angola
The Super Eagles will face Angola in the opening quarterfinal match on Friday at the famous Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny.
Angola will be hoping to continue their fairytale against one of the tournament’s favourites.
Nigeria’s resolute defensive unit in William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi will be put to the test by Angola’s forwards, Gelson Dala, Gilberto and Mabululu in this fixture.
D.R Congo v Guinea
D.R Congo, who are yet to win a game in regular time in the competition will have Guinea to deal with in the quarterfinals.
Mohamed Bayo has twice been the saviour for Guinea. He scored against Cameroon to help them secure a point and was on target against Equatorial Guinea in the round of 16.
With the 2009 Chan success, where they beat Ghana 2-0 in the final staged in Cotê d’Ivoire, D.R Congo will give it their all against an equally motivated Guinean side.
The game is scheduled for Friday at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan.
Mali v Cotê d’Ivoire
The hosts put up a solid performance to eliminate defending champions Senegal on penalties in the round of 16.
This followed a disappointing end to their group stage campaign where they lost to both Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea and went ahead to concede five goals.
Cotê d’Ivoire have failed to score from open play in their last three games and will be hoping to make amends with the return of Sébastien Haller upfront. Mali, despite a shaky performance in the group stage, put up an improved performance against Burkina Faso in the round of 16. The game is set for Saturday at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake.
Cape Verde v South Africa
Unbeaten Cape Verde will play South Africa, who eliminated 2022 World Cup semifinalists, Morocco, in the round of 16.
The Blue Sharks have had a smooth run throughout the competition, unlike South Africa.
Hugo Broos will count on Evidence Makgopa, Percy Tau and Themba Zwane to deliver against Cape Verde.
Though a tough one, Cape Verde have seen it all against experienced countries and have had their way through.
The game will be played at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro on Saturday.