After nearly two weeks of plenty of entertaining action, the 2023 AFCON tournament now is set to head into its most intriguing part: the knockout rounds. 16 teams remain afloat in the competition, including reigning champions Senegal who are hoping to successfully defend their crown.
On Saturday, the first two round of 16 fixtures will get underway, with Angola, Namibia, Nigeria, and Cameroon all set to battle for a spot in the quarter-finals and perhaps beyond.
Here's all you need to know.
Angola vs Namibia: Two minnows hoping to continue their respective runs
The round of 16 at the 2023 AFCON will begin as Angola and Namibia vie for a coveted berth in the quarter-finals. Angola come into this match having surprised many observers with their impressive performance during the group stages, which saw them top Group D and pick up two wins and a draw. Notably, their showing against tournament favorites Algeria won the Palancas Negras plenty of plaudits, and Pedro Gonçalves's men showed that they were no fluke by recording back to back wins over Mauritania (3-2) and Burkina Faso (2-0) to ensure they won their group by three points.
Meanwhile, Namibia are into unchartered territory after finishing third in Group E. The Brave Warriors qualified for the round of 16 for the first time in team history thanks to being among the strongest third-placed teams in the competition, which saw them pick up four points during the group stage. Although they were thrashed 4-0 by South Africa on matchday two, Collin Benjamin's squad showed great mental fortitude to pick themselves up and hold Mali to a scoreless draw which was enough to help them secure a first ever spot in the round of 16.
However, Namibia's record against Angola is quite dire, to say the least. To date, they have never beaten their upcoming opponents, with six draws and six losses from their past 12 encounters. Will their 13th meeting on Saturday prove to be a lucky one, despite the number 13 traditionally being associated with anything but good fortune? Or will Angola ensure they book what would be their third-ever appearance in the quarter-finals and their first in over a decade?
Team news: Angola vs Namibia
Angola: Both Bruno Paz and Fredy were subbed off during their team's match against Burkina Faso with suspected knocks, and will have to be evaluated to see if they can feature in this game.
Namibia: No current injury or suspension concerns for Namibia.
Match facts: Angola vs Namibia
- Namibia have never beaten Angola in 12 prior attempts (D6 L6)...
- ...and Angola's record from their last five meetings with Namibia is W3 D2
- Angola's best run at the AFCON so far has been two quarter-finals appearances (2008, 2010)
- Meanwhile, Namibia are into the knockout rounds for the first time in team history
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Nigeria vs Cameroon: A mouth-watering clash between two giants
Given that they have won a whopping eight AFCON titles between them (three for Nigeria and five for Cameroon), it is safe to say that this upcoming round of 16 tie has generated plenty of buzz. Arguably, it is a shame that this match is set to be played so early, as this match would definitely have been worthy of a clash in the latter stages of this competition. Unfortunately, one of these African giants is set to go home early, while the other will face the winner of the earlier round of 16 tie featuring Angola and Namibia.
Yet, despite their prior success in this competition, neither Nigeria nor Cameroon have been exactly setting the pitch alight. The Super Eagles, who last won the AFCON in 2013, kicked things off with a surprise draw against minnows Equatorial Guinea; in fact, were it not from a goal from Napoli ace Victor Osimhen, the West African powerhouse would have likely suffered a humiliating defeat. Although they won their next two matches against Ivory Coast and Guinea-Bissau, neither were convincing results. Both were by one-goal margins, and in the case of Guinea-Bissau, it was an own goal rather than any effort from Nigeria's attackers to earn all three points.
Indeed, with just two goals scored in the group stages, there is a great deal of concern about Nigeria's failure to fire in front of goal. However, the Super Eagles will have a chance to awaken from their slumber against a Cameroon side who have been a bit more prolific in front of goal, but have also been shipping goals at an alarming rate.
Cameroon, who last won the competition in 2017, were held to a surprise 1-1 draw in their tournament opener against Guinea before being thrashed by Senegal 3-1 on matchday two. Although the Indomitable Lions were able to beat Gambia, it was a very nervy match from start to finish as they were able to eventually secure a 3-2 crucial victory to book their spot in the round of 16.
Team news: Nigeria vs Cameroon
Nigeria: No current injury or suspension concerns for Nigeria ahead of this match.
Cameroon: Vincent Aboubakar might make his return from injury for this game, which could be a huge boost for Cameroon ahead of this game. Meanwhile, it will be interesting to see if Manchester United's Andre Onana is in between the posts for Saturday's tie.
Match facts: Nigeria vs Cameroon
- Nigeria's record against Cameroon (past five meetings) is W2 D2 L1
- The Super Eagles have won three AFCON titles, with their last success being in 2013
- Meanwhile, the Indomitable Lions have won five AFCON titles, with their last triumph taking place in 2017
- Cameroon have lost their last two meetings with Nigeria at the AFCON (in 2004 and 2019)
Broadcast info: Nigeria vs Cameroon
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Match details, result and original broadcast info
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