IT’S DOWN TO THE FINAL EIGHT
The best 8 sides in Africa currently have emerged as the African cup of Nations enters the critical stage.
From the remaining eight, five will be heading to this summer’s World cup while three will not. An analysis of the four fixtures shows some mouth watering clash.
*MALI VS SENEGAL*
Many believe that Senegal are the luckiest side going into the quarter final as they seem to have the easiest opponent on paper and pedigree, however, this West African derby is capable of throwing out surprises as the Eagles of Mali are no paper Tigers, they did it against Tunisia with 10 men in the round of 16. 2021 champions, Senegal (their only title) will do well not to underestimate Mali who are searching for a first title. The Merciful (Teranga) Lions are favoured to advance.
*CAMEROON VS MOROCCO*
When two Elephants fight the grass suffers so says a popular adage, here is a clash of two Lions, one from the atlas mountains, the other from the plain vegetation, maybe the jungle will suffer in this one.These two nations are trail blazers in African football by all standard, while Morocco is the first African side to reach the FIFA senior men’s World cup knockout stage (Mexico 86′), Cameroon became the first to reach the quarter final (Italia 90′), today the Moroccans are the first to reach the semi final (Oatar 22′). From this tie memories of Egypt 86′ and Maroc 88′ Nations cup readily comes to mind, on both occasions Cameroon pipped Morocco in the Semis 1:0 to reach the title game (final), goals from Roger Milla and Cyril Macanarky (whose goal shocked the host in 1988) was enough to eliminate Morocco.The Indomitable Lions are 5 time winners bettered only by Egypt, while the Lions of the Atlas has only 1 title. The home side have not looked too convincing so far as initially expected in this championship, they do have a slight edge though, but history favours the Indomitable Lions, however, anything can happen, the host despite the pressure should edge this one.
*EGYPT VS IVORY COAST*
Should we say a repeat of the 2006 final is on the card here, back then, legendary goalkeeper Essam El Hadary was the hero in the penalty shootout as Egypt triumphed. Between them they have 10 titles, the Pharaohs are the most successful side in the tournament history with 7, while defending champions, Ivory Coast has 3. This game is very close to call, Egypt has been highly rated coming into this competition but the Elephants always grow in the Nations cup as they progress, it may come down to the side with the strongest character, this tie can go either way and even drag to extra time. The Elephants looks the most likely to go through but write the Pharaohs off at your peril.
*NIGERIA VS ALGERIA*
Nigeria defeated Algeria 3:0 to win her first ever Nations cup on the 22nd of March 1980 on home soil, Algeria paid Nigeria back in their own coin 10 years later on the 30th of March 1990 winning 1:0 to win their first title also at home. But the memory of the opening game of the 1990 championship still lingers, Algeria won 5:1, till date it remains the biggest win cum defeat of a Nations cup opener. Then there is the the 1988 semi final also in Morocco on the 25th of March 1988 which dragged into penalties after full and extra time ended 1: 1, the game ended with 10 players remaining for both sides and all 20 players taking a penalty, at last, the late Peter “Dodo Mayana” Rufai saved the day for Nigeria in the shootout (as he has always done), the 2019 semi final in Egypt saw Algeria winning 2:1 as Riyad Mahrez netted a dying minutes free kick on Algeria’s way to her second title. Nigeria can never be underrated as far as this tournament is concern and they have proven that in Morocco, they have the most lethaled attack in the tournament, however, their defence and goalkeeper remains suspect.The Super Eagles have 3 titles so far while the Desert Warriors (also called the Fennec Foxes) has 2. The two sides are the only teams to have won all their games without dropping any point thus far in Morocco, so indeed we have a game in our hands, the manner Algeria edge their round of 16 tie in the 119th min against DR Congo is enough testament to their mentality and staying power, but can they withstand the deadliest attack in Morocco so far with an average of 3 goals per game. Against Mozambique, the Eagles were imperious, for now, Saturday is the day, Marrekesh is the venue. Nigeria, if they play to their potential should edge this highly technical Algerian side, the Nigeria players all look in shape.
Jerry Udoh
