AFCON 2015: Quarter-Final Line-Up Confirmed as Guinea Secure Last Spot
The stage is now fully set for the quarter-finals of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, following Guinea’s dramatic qualification via a drawing of lots after their tie with Mali. The Syli National will now take on Ghana on Sunday in Malabo, completing the list of last-eight clashes.
The first of the quarter-finals kicks off on Saturday with a Central African derby between DR Congo and Congo Brazzaville. The match brings a fascinating subplot, as Congo coach Claude Le Roy — a veteran of African football — faces his former side, now managed by his former assistant Florent Ibenge.
Later that evening, hosts Equatorial Guinea will enjoy home support in Bata as they meet Tunisia in what promises to be a high-intensity contest. The Nzalang Nacional are aiming to reach the semi-finals of an AFCON tournament for the first time in their history. Having exceeded expectations in the group stage, they’ll hope to continue their fairytale run.
On Sunday, Ghana take on Guinea in Malabo. The Black Stars, four-time champions, will be cautious against a spirited Guinean side that has already overcome significant adversity — including playing their qualifying matches on neutral ground due to the Ebola outbreak. The Syli National reached the quarter-finals via a rare drawing of lots after finishing level on all criteria with Mali in Group D.
The final fixture of the round will be a heavyweight showdown between Algeria and Ivory Coast — arguably the two strongest teams remaining in the competition. The Fennecs will look to avenge their 4-1 defeat to the Elephants at the same stage of the 2010 tournament in Angola. With both squads stacked with European-based talent, it promises to be a clash of titans.
AFCON 2015 Quarter-Final Fixtures:
Saturday 31 January
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Congo vs DR Congo – 16:00 GMT
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Tunisia vs Equatorial Guinea – 19:30 GMT
Sunday 1 February
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Ghana vs Guinea – 16:00 GMT
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Algeria vs Ivory Coast – 19:30 GMT
As the tournament enters its knockout phase, fans can expect drama, passion, and unforgettable moments — as teams battle not only for a place in the semi-finals, but for continental glory.
