The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations has entered the knockout stages, and the Round of 16 promises to be an exhilarating affair. This is set to be an exciting set of matches for African football enthusiasts, here is a look at the Round of 16 fixture.
Africa Cup of Nations Fixtures for the Round of 16
Saturday, 27 January 2024:
Nigeria vs Cameroon 10:00 PM SAST
- A colossal clash for the ages! Nigeria, yearning to quench their AFCON trophy thirst since 2013, faces a resurgent Cameroon desperate to erase the smudges of a shaky group stage. Expect fireworks – both teams bristle with talent and passionate fan bases, guaranteeing a spectacle in this round of 16.
Angola vs Namibia 7:00 PM SAST
- Palancas Negras of Angola, boasting two AFCON quarter-final appearances, clash with Namibia, making its maiden voyage into the knockout stages. Southern African pride hangs heavy in the air, with both teams determined to etch their names in history.
Sunday, 28 January 2024
Equatorial Guinea vs Guinea 7:00 PM SAST
- The Nzalang National of Equatorial Guinea, conquerors of Group C that housed powerhouses like Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire, clash with Guinea in a West African showdown. Both teams crave attacking football, so prepare for a goal-fest!
Egypt vs DR Congo 10:00 PM SAST
- The seven-time champions, the Pharaohs of Egypt, face the ever-unpredictable DR Congo in a tactical chess match. Despite a qualification secured through three draws, Egypt remains a force to be reckoned with. DR Congo, meanwhile, stunned with their second-place finish in their group, and hunger for another upset.
Monday, 29 January 2024
Cape Verde vs Mauritania 7:00 PM SAST
- The tournament’s Cinderella, Cape Verde, locks horns with Mauritania in a battle of contrasting narratives. Having already slain giants like Egypt and Ghana, Cape Verde seeks to extend their fairytale. Mauritania, meanwhile, hunts for their own slice of glory
Senegal vs Ivory Coast 22:00 PM SAST
- A mouthwatering rekindling of the 2021 AFCON final! Defending champions Senegal, boasting a perfect record so far, clash with the Elephants of Ivory Coast, who squeezed through on goal difference. The Elephants yearn for revenge and redemption, while Senegal seeks to assert their dominance.
Tuesday, 30 January 2024
Mali vs Burkina Faso 7:00 PM SAST
- Another exciting Group C clash sees Mali, another tournament standout, lock horns with Burkina Faso, licking their wounds after a final group stage defeat. Both teams have a point to prove – redemption awaits the victor.
Morocco vs South Africa 10:00 PM SAST
- The Atlas Lions of Morocco, semifinalists of the 2022 World Cup, face South Africa in a clash of continents. Morocco’s pedigree makes them favourites, but South Africa has shown glimpses of their potential throughout the tournament. Will Bafana Bafana roar out an upset?
Conclusion
The stage is set, the drums of destiny beat, and the Round of 16 promises to be an intoxicating cocktail of drama, skill, and unbridled passion. So, football fans, clear your schedules, grab your jerseys, and prepare to witness the crowning moments of AFCON glory unfold! Buckle up, for the continent’s biggest football party is only just getting started!
Read: Bafana Bafana Squad for the AFCON 2024 (Confirmed & Final Squad)