Following the conclusion of the third and final round of the group stage in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, the qualified teams for the Round of 16 have been determined.
Out of the five Arab teams participating—Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, and Mauritania—three secured spots in the next round, while two bid farewell to the tournament.
1. Egypt
Egypt navigated through Group B alongside Cape Verde, Ghana, and Mozambique.
The Pharaohs started their tournament with a 2-2 draw against Mozambique in the opening match, followed by successive draws against Ghana and Cape Verde.
Egypt clinched a spot in the Round of 16 as the group runner-up with 3 points. They will face the Democratic Republic of Congo at 10 PM next Sunday.
2. Algeria and Mauritania
Algeria and Mauritania found themselves in Group D, along with Angola and Burkina Faso, the only group with two Arab teams.
The Desert Warriors began with a 1-1 draw against Angola, followed by another draw against Burkina Faso (2-2).
Unfortunately, Algeria bid farewell to the tournament for the second consecutive year, finishing last in the group with 2 points after a surprising loss to Mauritania (0-1) in the final group stage match.
In contrast, Mauritania secured a spot in the Round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams.
Despite losses to Burkina Faso (0-1) and Angola (2-3), they triumphed over Algeria.
Mauritania faces Cape Verde in the Round of 16 at 7 PM next Monday.
3. Tunisia
Tunisia, placed in Group E with Mali, South Africa, and Namibia, faced disappointment with an unconvincing performance.
The Eagles of Carthage started with a shocking 0-1 loss to Namibia, their first-ever win. They followed it up with draws against Mali (1-1) and South Africa (0-0).
Tunisia finished at the bottom of the group with 2 points, exiting the tournament prematurely.
4. Morocco
Heading Group F with the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, and Tanzania, Morocco secured passage to the Round of 16 by topping the group with 7 points.
The Atlas Lions triumphed over Tanzania (3-0), drew with the Democratic Republic of Congo (1-1), and secured a victory against Zambia (0-1).
Morocco will face South Africa in the Round of 16 at 10 PM next Tuesday.
As the knockout stage commences, Arab football fans eagerly await the continued journey of their teams in the quest for continental glory.
