AFCON2023 quarter-finals: Mali faces Ivory Coast in derby clash, Cape Verde battles South Africa for semifinal berth

Football enthusiasts are set for an intense Saturday with the last two quarter-final matches on the day’s program, promising high stakes and exhilarating competition.

Mali vs. Ivory Coast: A Derby Showdown

Mali, having triumphed against Burkina Faso in a compelling encounter in the previous round, faces a formidable challenge against Ivory Coast.

The Eagles seek to overcome a historical nemesis, having not secured victory in their last six confrontations with Ivory Coast spanning 13 years.

With four defeats and two draws in the mix, Mali aims to break this streak and return to the semi-finals, a stage they last reached in 2013.

Ivory Coast, buoyed by confidence following a resilient performance against Senegal, is determined to advance further.

Having survived a near-elimination scare against Equatorial Guinea, the Elephants are back in the quarter-finals for the first time since 2019.

Led by Serge Aurier, Ivory Coast eyes a spot in the last four, a feat they last achieved in their triumphant 2015 campaign.

The pressure is on Emerse Faé’s players, who assume the role of favorites against their neighbors.

Cape Verde vs. South Africa: Quest for Semifinal Glory
Quarter-finalists for the second time in history, Cape Verde aims to break through to the elusive semi-finals, falling short in 2013.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, champions in 1996, finalists in 1998, and third-placed in 2000, are poised to leverage their strength and collective prowess.

Their convincing victory against Morocco in the round of 16 (0-2) fuels confidence as they eye a return to the last four.

For football enthusiasts eager to witness these battles unfold, the schedule is as follows:
Mali vs. Ivory Coast: Kick-off at 5 p.m. GMT (to be broadcast on BeIn Sports 1 in France and Canal+ CAN in French-speaking sub-Saharan Africa).

Cape Verde vs. South Africa: Kick-off at 8 p.m. GMT (broadcast on BeIn Sports 1 in France, RTC in Cape Verde, SABC in South Africa, and Canal+ CAN in French-speaking sub-Saharan Africa).