The 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is now in its death throes, because eight teams:Egypt, Ghana, Cameroon, Morocco, Tunisia,Senegal, Burkina Faso and DR Congo managed to squeak into the quarterfinals;whiles half of the 16 finalists got creamed in the first round.
A real tussle for survivalis about tounfoldthis weekend when the finaleight (8)take to the field to fight off the death blowat the quarterfinals to keep hope alive in this tournament.In the bid to gauge the chances of the various teams, I present the lowdown on their best achievements at the Nations Cup thus far.
Burkina Faso vs Tunisia
To start with, Burkina Faso(Stallions) and Tunisia(Carthage Eagles) will set the pace for the quarterfinal fixtures in Libreville on Saturday January, 28. Until now the Stallions and the Carthage Eagles’paths have crossed five times, but only once at the Nations Cup in 1998. The Carthage Eagles were pipped by the Stallions on penalties (7-8)at the quarterfinals in 1998. The Stallions achieved their best record in 2013 as runners-up. But failed to improve on that performance in 2015 when they exited the tournament at the preliminary stage.
On the other hand, in 2004 the Carthage Eagles hosted and won their first and only Nations Cup title,but exited the tournament at the quarterfinals in 2015.
Senegal vs Cameroon
The Stade de Franceville, willbe turned into a real lion’s den for the entire duration of this second quarterfinal match, when the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon and the Teranga Lions of Senegalsquare off against each other. Cameroon has everything it takes to go all the way to the finals. Despite scraping through the group stage, it’s certain that the quarterfinals will bring out the best in them. Indeed they have four Nations Cup title to prove their giant status on the continent. On top of this they have been regular at the continental showpiece, only failing to make it to the finals in 2013 and 2015.
The Teranga Lions of Senegalare also Nations Cup regulars but doesn’t have much to show for it.In 1992 they lost 1-0 to Cameroon at the quarterfinals, and became runners-up in 2002 when they lost on a penalty shootout after drawing 0-0 with Cameroon. In this tournament the Teranga lions have only themselves to beat because of their impressive performance thus far. To win this year’s title the Senegalesemust look to their laurels because, Cameroonis still strong enough toturn their AFCON dream into a real nightmare.
Ghana vs DR Congo
Oyem will host the most success-starvedteams at the biennial championship:the Black Stars of Ghana and the Leopards of DR Congo on Sunday, January 29.Ghana won successive titles in 1963 and 1965 and topped it with two more in 1978 and1982. From 2008 to 2015,they have been part of the best four at the Nations Cup. Ghana also reached the finals in 1968 losing 1-0 to DR Congo (then Zaire)
The Leopards of Congo are two time champions-first at the 1968 finals in Ethiopia where they beat Ghana 1-0 and also at the 1974 finals in Egypt.More recently they finished third at the 2015 championship in Equatorial Guinea. They failed to qualify for the finals in 2008,2010 and 2012. In 2013 they made an appearance but their performance couldn’t take them beyond the first round.
Morocco vs Egypt
The Atlas Lions of Morocco will travel to Port-Gentil to take on the Pharaohs of Egypt in an all Arab affair. Morocco haswon the trophy once in 1976. The Pharaohs, on the other hand are the most successful team at the Nations Cup, having won seven titles on record: the inaugural one in 1957and the recent one in 2010. In this tournament they are gunning for their eighth title.
But this dream may come unstuck with Coach Herve Renardin charge of Morocco. Having won two successive titles with Zambia and Cote d’Ivoire in 2013 and 2015 respectively-the man in the body hugging white shirt (HerveRenard) is surely on a winning streak.
By Dela Ahiawor, African Eye Report
Follow me on twitter @DAhiawor
