AFCON 2023 Quarterfinals Promise Intense Battles: Nigeria, Angola, Cote d’Ivoire, and Others Set to Clash

By: Emmanuel Ibitoye

The stage is set for riveting quarterfinal clashes in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Cote d’Ivoire 2023, as the round of 16 concluded, narrowing down the field to eight formidable teams.

Following closely contested matches in the round of 16, the top teams secured their spots in the quarterfinals. Angola, triumphing with a 3-0 win over Namibia, will face Nigeria, who emerged victorious against Cameroon with a 2-0 scoreline on January 27. The Super Eagles brace for a challenging encounter with two-time quarterfinalists, Angola’s Palancas Negras, on Friday at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan at 6 p.m.

DR Congo’s narrow victory against Egypt, decided through a penalty shootout (8-7) after a dramatic 1-1 draw in regular time, sets them on a collision course with Guinea, who secured a surprise 1-0 win against Equatorial Guinea.

Other intriguing matchups include Cape Verde’s late penalty triumph (1-0) over Mauritania, earning them a place in the quarterfinals against South Africa, who defeated Morocco 2-0. Host Cote d’Ivoire, advancing through a penalty shootout (5-4) against defending champions Senegal after a 1-1 draw, is poised for another intense clash against Mali.

Tuesday’s fixtures saw Mali eliminate Burkina Faso 2-1, securing a quarterfinal showdown with host Cote d’Ivoire.

The quarterfinals promise high stakes and thrilling football action, scheduled to unfold from February 2 to February 3. Below are the anticipated quarterfinal fixtures and venues:

**Friday:**

– Nigeria vs Angola (Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan at 6:00 p.m.)

– DR Congo vs Guinea (Olympic Stadium of Ebimpe at 9:00 p.m.)

**Saturday:**

– Mali vs Côte d’Ivoire (Stade de la paix Bouake at 6:00 p.m.)

– Cape Verde vs South Africa (Stade Charles Konan Banny de Yamoussoukro at 9:00 p.m.)