AFCON quarterfinals wide open, shocks are in the cards

After a group stage and round of 16 characterized by narrow scores, the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals could see a few shocking results emerge this weekend, with action continuing. as intended though The tragedy of the Stade d’Olembe.

On the field, the tournament brought drama, excitement and controversy when the group stage took place and gave way to a thrilling round of 16. prominent in the discussion.

Even questionable interventions, dubious observations, and speed with red cards being sent out don’t dampen (completely) the fairy tales, unexpected results and thrills of the ball. stone is rejected.

In theory, two of the quarterfinals might not seem like a good match, but the tournament has proven that the big boys can unexpectedly go head-to-head with the petty minions, and while individual talent can help you So far, the strength of the collective has been clear. Ghana, Algeria and Nigeria.

The Gambia’s record in reaching the tournament alone is remarkable, while their performance in Cameroon – previous wins Mauritania, Tunisia and Guineadraw with Mali – have represented the all-time great moments in the nation’s sporting history.

There is no doubt that Saturday’s quarter-final against Cameroon was the biggest match the Gambia have ever contested, but head coach Tom Saintfiet’s mentality, tactical approach and work ethic make them perfectly placed. for the home team to earn money and maybe even sign up. an almighty AFCON shock.

After a troubled clash with Guinea, with the Gambia camp complaining about their accommodation and the way they were left to deal with its coronavirus cases, they reported a clean health bill on this case…

Can Saintfiet’s strategy – inspired by the team’s Scorpions moniker – be able to remain curled, compact, cautious until the game is dead, then strike late with a sting in the tail, see West African minnows take on another big challenge?

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Ed Dove discusses whether there is concern from other teams that there is more favoritism with the Cameroon team in AFCON.

They will be hoping that Cameroon’s defense fails – they have conceded in every game so far, including against the Comoros no goalkeeper – can be exploited, although the Indomitable Lions have the kind of attack plan to hurt the Gambia that none of their opponents have so far been able to call up.

With Vincent Aboubakar in the form of his life and combines well with Eric-Maxim Choupo Moting, with Collins Fai provide width to the right and with Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa Providing thrust from midfield, Cameroon has the quality to end the team’s historic campaign.

On the pitch, however – and especially on the dingy ground at the Stade Japoma in Douala – things may not be so easy for hosts Afcon.

Burkina Faso vs Tunisia, Garoua, January 29

Both limped into the knockout stages after a lackluster and overwhelming group stage display in which Tunisia progressed past Group F, with a crunch win over Mauritania being the only thing saving them from elimination.

However, after a sense of injustice fueled their first performance in the competition, both will feel they are regaining momentum to advance into this fairly even quarter-final.

After their loss to Mali – overshadowed by Janny Sikazwe .’s introduction and the fury of the coaching staff – and Gambia, it was a surprise that Tunisia was able to beat Nigeria early in their round of 16 encounter at Garoua and ultimately see off the Super Eagles.

Defensive resilience, midfield nullification and emotional control were all key factors in that win over Nigeria, and with veterans Youssef Msakni and Wahbi Khazri Both are capable of readying themselves against the Stallions, the Carthaginian Eagle should also have some bite.

That match in Garoua was only the second knockout tie that Tunisia won in all time in the National Cup since beating Morocco won the title at home in 2004, and it will give them a big boost as they want to advance to four finals for a second straight campaign.

Burkina Faso, like Tunisia, was also motivated by a sense of injustice in the group stage, with Bertrand Traore denounced as ‘notorious’ that party’s experimental coronavirus treatment before opening with Cameroon.

Their inexperience showed in the opening match against the hosts, but after they played better Gabon in the exhausting and exhilarating Second Round match, there will be a sense of momentum about the Stallions.

Can captain Traore outperform his teammates but make costly mistakes, harness his undeniable talent and inspire Burkinabe to a third semi-final of the year? organized times?

Egypt vs Morocco, Yaounde, January 30

The quarter-final pick is this absolute blockbuster between the North African giants Egypt and Morocco at the Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo, where one side with true title ambitions will fall.

The Atlas Lions – despite suffering injuries and coronavirus cases in the early days of the league – have been public about their goal of winning big and, despite not making it past the quarterfinals in 18 years, they have become increasingly… convince .

Like Sofiane Boufal and Achraf Hakimi – who score beautiful free kicks in their last two matches – they have real match winners and it’s definitely only a matter of time before an attacking unit contains Ayoub El Kaabi, Youssef En-Nesyri and Ryan Mmaee find more precision in their finishing process.

Despite the absence of Hakim ZiyechThe lions are creating plenty of opportunities, and although they may not have to pay for missing them against the Comoros or Malawithe same cannot be said against Egypt.

After a rather strenuous group stage – and an opener in which they were blown away by Nigeria – the Pharaohs hit another device in their previous 16 win over Ivory Coast.

Helped, no doubt, by Franck KessieDisqualified early due to injury, the Pharaohs made 21 shots during the competition – not bad for a team that is said to be too dependent on Mohamed Salah – and put himself up against an Ivory midfield.

Both Carlos Queiroz and Vahid Halilhodzic have notable records in knockout games, and both are managing the rigors and routines of league football with expertise as their teams grow into AFCON, so expect an engaging tactical battle.

Morocco could have had better quality in almost any area of ​​the pitch, but this is Egypt, and this is Salah, so nothing to belittle.

Both of these have survived – albeit bruised – from the previous 16 games against Cape Verde and Mali respectively, with Senegal’s talisman Sadio Mane was substituted early after a collision with the keeper Vozinhaand the match of Equatorial Guinea is the subject of an official complaint by the Eagles.

The Equatoguineans players can really count themselves lucky as VAR appeared to make a decision in their favor in their final game, although their quarter-final run was not by luck. lucky.

Rated outside of FIFA’s top 100 in December, their performance at the Nations Cup should come as no big surprise to anyone witnessing their encouraging World Cup qualifying campaign – they hit the mark. beat Tunisia in November – and they are benefiting from the influx of players playing in the lower leagues of France, Spain and Italy.

READ: Everything you need to know about AFCON

People who like Jose Machin and Pablo Ganet allowing them to organize their own battles against Brighton & Hove Albion‘S Yves Bissouma and Mohamed Camara of Red Bull Salzburg against Mali, and expect a similar story against Senegal.

Senegal’s decision to allow Mane to play initially against Cape Verde was criticized – even if he broke the deadlock – but the Teranga Lions will be desperate to get him back to 100% and shoot all turrets for their Final clash.

The West Africans are full of fast dribblers and players who can attack on goal, but they lack the agility and creativity that put a huge burden on Mane’s shoulders.

When he plays on the left – as he did with Cape Verde – Senegal’s play is infused with him and they can be easily nullified, but Aliou Cisse seems unwilling to make any sacrifices. any of his three defensive midfielders means you shouldn’t expect anything else with the Lions either.

What they have is defensive resilience, and a unit containing Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibalyprotected by that midfield, making them favorites to go the distance in the competition.