African Cup of Nations Knockout Round Preview
The African Cup of Nations is about to enter the tournament’s most suspenseful stage. The Quarterfinals officially begin each nations march towards the final. From this point, it will take three wins. Should a nation win three straight, they will be able to call themselves the champions of Africa.
Several storylines possibly await in the tournament. Can hosts Equatorial Guinea win the title in front of their entire country? Will we get to see Africa’s top two nations, Ivory Coast and Ghana, face off for the title? With more questions than answers at the current stage, let’s take a look at what lies ahead for each country.
Quarter-final Match to Watch
Congo vs DR Congo
More from The Top Flight
- Barcelona identify Newcastle star as Robert Lewandowski replacement
- Arsenal injury news: Mikel Arteta confirms “rapid” attacker suffered injury
- “600 days” Fans make SHOCK Chelsea revelation – They really are poor
- Arsenal transfer news: Mikel Arteta rivals Manchester United for wonderkid
- Manchester United: Erik ten Hag pinpoints 4 players amid Brighton loss
The derby of the tournament. Two countries that share both name and border are set for a monumental face-off. Both nations have struggled since gaining independence in the 1960’s with corruption and war. However, though separated as countries, they both share a love for the world’s game.
Both nations’ supporters will be desperately hoping for their side to win. In a rivalry match like this, a loss in this match would be unacceptable to either nation. DR Congo does have a reason behind them to win this match. With the current civil war ravaging the nation, a win here would bring happiness to those who most need it.
The Congo on the other hand will also be looking to bring joy to their people. With both countries desperate for a win here, the side that scores the first goal here will definitely have an advantage in winning this match.
Projected Final Matchup
Ghana vs Ivory Coast
Easily the most anticipated match of the tournament. Being on opposite sides of the knockout bracket sets up a possible match of Africa’s top national teams. Ivory Coast are beginning to move on from their golden generation and focus more on the nations younger stars.
At the same time, Ghana appears deep into their current golden generation. Top international players such as Asamoah Gyan, André Ayew and Christian Atsu currently lead the way for the Black Stars. After losing their opening match, Ghana has won their last two and look to continue in their current form throughout the knockout rounds.
Both nations have become top teams in Africa since their World Cup debuts in 2006. They will look to continue their top forms over the rest of Africa and bring their respective nations the title of Africa’s best.
African Nation Cup Rankings
Ranking these nations by their chances at winning the title are not easy. Certain nations such as Ghana have an almost easy road to the final while the top side of the bracket seems crowded with top talent. We will forge ahead though and rank the remaining nations.
Live Feed
Playing for 90
Remember, this is not a ranking of each countries skill, but their chances at winning the African Nations Cup.
- Ghana
- Equatorial Guinea
- Ivory Coast
- Tunisia
- DR Congo
- Congo
- Algeria
- Guinea
Because of the draw, both Ghana and Equatorial Guinea seem destined to face off in the semifinals. However, should one side be upset in the quarter-finals, then look for the other to definitely be making the Finals.
Ivory Coast will have a tough opening match with Algeria, and should they win their following match against one of the Congo’s will be tough for them to overcome. However, I do see them making the finals and setting up their match with Ghana.