FULL LIST: Nigeria battle Angola, other AFCON quarter-finals’ fixtures with date, time, venue
As of Tuesday, eight teams had secured their spots in the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals.
Following Namibia's crushing defeat by the Palancas Negras (Black Sable Antelopes) on Saturday night, Angola became the first team to qualify.
After defeating the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, the attacking-oriented squad will now take on the Super Eagles of Nigeria, who are regarded as one of the competition's favourites.
The tournament's biggest surprise was the Round 16 match between the hosts, Côte d'Ivoire, and Senegal, the reigning champions. Frank Kessie's penalty kept the hosts in the game and forced penalty shootouts in the Elephant's favour, propelling the hosts to the final eight.
Cape Verde, meanwhile, advanced to the quarterfinals for the second time in their history thanks to a late penalty kick from Ryan Mendes.
"We are carving our path; we know there are many bigger teams than us, but we are trying to focus on our game to have the opportunity to face these African powerhouses," Cape Verde manager Bubista said, expressing his delight with his team's performance.
"We want to build a stronger squad as our goal."
Another setback in this tournament came from Guinea's thrilling victory in the eighth minute of injury time on Sunday, as they defeated Equatorial Guinea's 10-man team 1-0.
Extra time was about to be added to the last-16 match at the Ebimpe Olympic Stadium in Abidjan when Bayo of the French Ligue 1 side Le Havre, struck right at the death to spark frenzied scenes of celebration among the Guinea team and their large support.
The Syli National, who had finished second in the 1976 Cup of Nations knockout match—during which the final four played a round-robin format to determine the winner of the trophy—was experiencing a historic moment.
After losing to DR Congo in a penalty shootout, the Pharaohs of Egypt suffered another upset in this tournament. Additionally, Bafana Bafana of South Africa upset 10-man Morocco to advance to the round of eight.
Entire Quarter-Finals schedule, including venue, date, and time, is provided below.
Nigeria versus Angola
Date: 02.02.2024 on Friday
The Syli National, who had finished second in the 1976 Cup of Nations knockout match—during which the final four played a round-robin format to determine the winner of the trophy—was experiencing a historic moment.
After losing to DR Congo in a penalty shootout, the Pharaohs of Egypt suffered another upset in this tournament. Additionally, Bafana Bafana of South Africa upset 10-man Morocco to advance to the round of eight.
Entire Quarter-Finals schedule, including venue, date, and time, is provided below.
1. Nigeria versus Angola
Date: 02.02.2024 on Friday
enue: Felix Houphouet-Boigny
Time: 6:00pm
2. DR Congo vs Guinea
Date: Friday, February 2, 2024
Venue: Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara
Time: 9:00 pm
3. Mali vs Cote d’ivoire
Date: Saturday, February 3, 2024
Venue: Stade de Bouaké
Time: 6:00 pm
4. Cape Verde vs South Africa
Date: Saturday, February 3, 2024
Venue: Stade Charles Konan Banny de Yamoussoukro
Time: 9:00 pm.
