AFCON Knockout Stage: AFCON Quarter-Final Preview

In the African Cup of Nations, AFCON quarter-final matches will be played today and tomorrow. The remaining 8 teams lock horns to decide the worthy fits for the final four.

Nothing speaks more of the astonishment at the 2023 AFCON Edition than the fact that all quarter-finalists of the previous edition have failed to reach the last 8 this time. Every round so far has overwhelmed fans of African Football with so many emotions of shock, amazement, and excitement.

West African teams are dominant this time in the absence of all North African giants, all failing to qualify for the last 8. The round of the last 8 begins today and here are the predictions, previews, and fixtures for the said round by Athlete Game Bio.

AFCON Quarter-Final PREVIEW

Nigeria vs Angola

The first clash of the final 8 holds between Nigeria and Angola. With many promises from home supporters, the Angolans are set to extend the run of shocking events in the competition, hoping to cut short the flight of the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Nigeria, however, boasts of the best defense so far in the competition, conceding just one goal so far. Angola had a relatively easy fixture in the round of 16, compared to Nigeria’s clash against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon. However, the game seems open to any of the two teams, with the Nigerians having a little more edge.

Prediction Nigeria 2:0 Angola

DR Congo vs Guinea

DR Congo, once again, is proving to African Football fans that they are worth some more recognition and respect. After knocking Egypt out of the competition, DR Congo still has a challenge: they are the only team yet to win any of their games in normal time.

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Guinea will hope to exploit this weakness, emphasizing again that they are on a mission. Guinea surprisingly knocked out a 10-man Equatorial Guinea with a stoppage-time goal to book their place. However, it’ll take some more effort to replicate such a feat.

Prediction: DR Congo 1:1 Guinea (DRC win on penalties)

Mali vs Ivory Coast

The resurgent hosts have seemed to unlock their best selves after the group stage tragedy and the sacking of their coach. Once more, their resolve will be tested, as they take on a decent Mali side. Mali defeated Burkina Faso to get to this round and expectations are high as to which of the two teams leaves this round with a win. As long as they remain in the competition, the Ivorians will have the advantage of playing in front of their supporters, which may be a deciding factor in this game as well.

Prediction: Mali 1:1 Ivory Coast (Ivory Coast win on penalties)

Cape Verde vs South Africa

Cape Verde has been one of the teams to watch in this edition of the African Cup of Nations. However, their slim win against Mauritania proves they can be stopped if their opponent gets it right. South Africa, on the other hand, is buzzing from a 2-0 victory over World Cup semifinalists, Morocco, and will be looking to push for another big win against their West African opponents.
Prediction: South Africa 2:1 Cape Verde

AFCON Quarter-Final FIXTURES

FRIDAY, 2ND FEBRUARY
Nigeria vs Angola 18:00
DR Congo vs Guinea 21:00

SATURDAY, 3RD FEBRUARY
Mali vs Ivory Coast
Cape Verde vs South Africa