The first phase of AFCON 2023 concluded on Wednesday, January 24, with 16 teams securing their spots in the Round of 16. Top performers emerged, including Senegal, Cape Verde, Morocco, and Angola, while sensations were witnessed from Mauritania and Namibia.
Notably, traditional powerhouses like Tunisia, Ghana, and Algeria faced early exits, making this tournament notably unpredictable. AFCON 2023 has been marked by an attacking spectacle, with a record-breaking 89 goals scored in 36 first-round matches.
In comparison, the 2021 edition produced 68 goals in the initial stage. Notably, only three matches ended in goalless draws – Mali-Namibia, South Africa-Tunisia, and Tanzania-DR Congo. Senegal, considered favorites, dominated the group stage, winning all three matches with eight goals scored and conceding only one.
However, their real challenge lies ahead as they face Ivory Coast in the Round of 16. Ivory Coast, despite a challenging group stage, advanced thanks to Morocco’s victory over Zambia. Morocco, solid defensively with only one goal conceded, secured first place in their group, allowing Ivory Coast to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.
Nigeria and Cameroon also overcame a mixed start to secure their places in the knockout stage. Cape Verde emerged as a surprise package in Group B, finishing first with seven points after impressive victories over Ghana and Mozambique. Angola, initially in hat 4 at the draw, topped Group D, outperforming Algeria and Burkina Faso.
Mauritania and Namibia scripted remarkable stories, with both nations qualifying for the Round of 16 for the first time. Namibia’s journey included a historic win over Tunisia. On the flip side, traditional powerhouses Algeria and Ghana faced disappointing exits in the first round, failing to secure victories in any of their matches.
Tunisia, a consistent quarter-finalist in recent editions, also departed early, displaying uninspired performances. Several coaches, including Djamel Belmadi (Algeria), Chris Hughton (Ghana), and Jean-Louis Gasset (Ivory Coast), have been relieved of their duties since the tournament began.
The qualified teams for the Round of 16 include Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Cape Verde, Egypt, South Africa, Senegal, Cameroon, Guinea, Angola, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Mali, Namibia, Morocco, and DR Congo. The knockout stage promises more excitement as teams vie for a coveted spot in the quarterfinals.
