The last two quarterfinalists of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations will emerge this evening in Cote d’Ivoire with the host nation and Cape Verde knowing their opponents in the Round of 16.
The first pair – Mali and Burkina Faso – have never lifted the title, while the second set of teams – Morocco and South Africa – are former winners; each claiming the crown once – Morocco in 1976 and South Africa in 1996.
With the ongoing tournament producing upsets, including that of last night when Senegal were dethroned hosts Cote d’Ivoire, who struggled to emerge from the group phase.
Mali won Group E beating South Africa 2-0 in their opening match. But they could only share honours in the next two games – Tunisia (1-1) and Namibia goalless. They exited at this stage in the last two AFCONs, and crashed out at the group stage in the other previous two.
Burkina Faso, finalists when Nigeria last won the competition in South Africa 2013, lost to Cameroon 3-5 penalties in the third placed match of the last AFCON.
Morocco are one of the teams expected to light up Cote d’Ivoire 2023. And they have not disappointed. Except for the 1-1 outcome against DR Congo in their second group game, the Atlas Lions won all the way. In the last AFCON hosted by Cameroon, Morocco reached the quarterfinals but lost to Egypt 1-2 after extra time.
South Africa, hosts and champions in 1996, lost in the last eight in 2021, but did not did not qualify for Cameroon 2021.
Today’s fixtures: Mali v Burkina Faso (6 pm), Morocco v South Africa (9 pm) (both WAT)
