The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 enters a crucial phase on Monday, featuring two compelling matchups in the round of 16.
Cape Verde vs. Mauritania
In an unexpected showdown, Cape Verde and Mauritania face off with dreams of advancing further in the tournament.
Cape Verde, eliminated at this stage two years ago, aims to overcome its past and secure its first victory in a direct elimination match at the AFCON.
The Blue Sharks, previously reaching the quarter-finals in 2013, emerge as slight favorites against Mauritania, a team eager to continue its fairytale journey after an impressive performance against Algeria.
With an unbeaten record (7 points), Cape Verde carries the weight of expectation into this clash of surprises.
Senegal vs. Ivory Coast
Undoubtedly, the marquee fixture of the round of 16, sees Senegal and Ivory Coast facing each other.
Despite vastly different group stage experiences – Senegal dominating the “Group of Death” with three consecutive victories, while Ivory Coast faced a humbling defeat against Equatorial Guinea – both teams are ready for a fierce battle.
Ivory Coast, unexpectedly advancing as the best third-placed team, seeks redemption on home soil.
The defending champions, Senegal, led by coach Aliou Cissé, approach the match with serenity after their convincing 3-1 victory over Cameroon.
The goal for Senegal is clear: retain the title. However, Ivory Coast, historically successful against Senegal, poses a formidable challenge.
The match is significant not only for the players and interim coach Emerse Faé, experiencing his first game as head coach, but also for the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF), which pursued the possibility of loaning Hervé Renard, coach of the French women’s team. Renard’s refusal led to the appointment of Faé.
Where to Watch AFCON 2023 Matches Today:
Cape Verde vs. Mauritania: BeIn Sports 1 (France), RTC (Cape Verde), Canal+ AFCON (Sub-Saharan Africa).
– Senegal vs. Ivory Coast: BeIn Sports 1 (France), RTS (Senegal), RTI/La 3 (Ivory Coast), Canal+ AFCON (Sub-Saharan Africa).
Football enthusiasts can anticipate an evening filled with thrilling action as the drama unfolds in the AFCON 2023 round of 16.
✅ 𝗝𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗗𝗘 𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛
⚔️ Sénégal🇸🇳 vs Côte d’Ivoire🇨🇮
🏟️ Stade Charles Konan Banny
📍 Yamoussoukro
⏰ 20 heures GMT
📸 Da Graph (@DaGraph) #CAN2023 #AFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/N8H4ljnI4O— Footsen⭐ (@footsen221) January 28, 2024
