AFCON 2023: All of the last-16 video games as Nigeria face Cameroon, Morocco battle South Africa

The mud has settled on the group stage of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, leaving us with 16 groups able to battle for supremacy in Cote d’Ivoire.

Because the event’s Spherical of 16 unfolds, 4 days of intense motion will decide which groups advance to the coveted quarterfinals.

Right here’s a breakdown of the last-16 matchups that promise to ship soccer thrills and drama.

Sport 1: Angola vs. Namibia

Angola, who completed high of a bunch the place Algeria have been in backside place, now face a Namibian aspect, making it previous the group stage for the primary time.

The Palancas Negras will search to match their AFCON quarterfinal document by triumphing over Namibia’s Courageous Warriors. A conflict of willpower and historical past awaits on the pitch.

Sport 2: Nigeria vs. Cameroon

Two giants of African soccer, Nigeria and Cameroon, collide in a conflict of eight AFCON titles.

With a storied historical past of encounters, the Indomitable Lions maintain the higher hand in beating Nigeria to the title at three completely different AFCON finals.

Nonetheless, Nigeria stay unbeaten towards the Indomitable Lions in levels apart from the ultimate and can look to their Spherical of 16 victory on the 2019 version for brand new inspiration.

A battle of champions awaits, with each side eyeing a spot within the quarterfinals.

Sport 3: Equatorial Guinea vs. Guinea

Equatorial Guinea, the darkish horse of the event, face Guinea, a staff with a constant quarterfinal monitor document.

The Nzalang Nacional are the best-attacking staff at this AFCON with 9 targets in solely three video games.

The attacking prowess of the Equatoguineans now meets Guinea’s stable event historical past in what guarantees to be an exciting encounter, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle.

Sport 4: Egypt vs. DR Congo

Regardless of Egypt’s struggles within the group stage, the Pharaohs, seven-time AFCON champions, stay favourites towards DR Congo.

With Mo Salah absent, Egypt will purpose to navigate a difficult tie towards a two-time AFCON-winning DR Congo aspect. Count on an unpredictable conflict with Egypt’s storied legacy on the road.

Sport 5: Cape Verde vs. Mauritania

Cape Verde’s spectacular efficiency within the group stage is why Ghana suffered an embarrassing early elimination.

The reward for Cape Verde’s brilliance is a winnable conflict towards Mauritania.

Cape Verde’s goal might be to match their 2013 quarterfinal run, whereas Mauritania, buoyed by a historic win over Algeria, will search to proceed their fairy-tale journey.

A battle between ambition and underdog spirit awaits.

Sport 6: Senegal vs. Cote d’Ivoire

Defending champions Senegal, the one staff with an ideal group stage document, face hosts Cote d’Ivoire.

Regardless of the hosts’ below-par efficiency, they may purpose to shock the holders and advance.

Senegal, now event favourites, should navigate a possible stumbling block towards a decided Ivorian aspect backed by a football-mad public.

Sport 7: Mali vs. Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso, coming off a loss of their remaining group match, meet Group E winners Mali.

Mali will arrive at this conflict eyeing redemption after exiting the final two AFCONs on the Spherical of 16.

Burkina Faso, with a bronze medal in 2017, will undoubtedly pose a formidable problem. An evenly matched encounter guarantees pleasure and uncertainty.

Sport 8: Morocco vs. South Africa

In a conflict of AFCON underachievers, 2022 World Cup semifinalists Morocco face 1996 championship winners South Africa.

Morocco, but to safe an AFCON trophy since 1976, look to rewrite historical past.

The Atlas Lions, boasting firepower, are favourites towards a South African aspect struggling to assert a second AFCON triumph in practically three a long time.