AFCON 2023: Thrilling action expected as quarterfinal duels get underway

The thrilling 2023 African Cup of Nations enters the quarterfinal stage on Friday evening with two games on the cards.

It has been largely a tournament full of surprises, and we head into the last eight without any of the top-five-ranked teams on the continent.

Nigeria vs. Angola

Three-time African Cup of Nations winners Nigeria are gearing up to face a formidable Angola team in the first quarterfinals on Friday, seeking to advance to the semi-finals for the first time since 2019.

The anticipated showdown will be staged at the Felix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, serving as the inaugural match of the AFCON last eight, with three more games to follow as the AFCON, which has so far served shockers, nears its end.

In the round of 16, the Super Eagles showcased their class by triumphing over arch-rivals Cameroon with a convincing 2-0 victory at the same venue. Ademola Lookman scored both goals for the 2013 winners.

With a rich history on their side, Nigeria is deemed the favorites on paper, boasting an abundance of quality and experience. Led by Victor Osimhen and complemented by the reliable Lookman, the Super Eagles' attack is formidable. Furthermore, they possess the stingiest defense in the tournament, conceding only once thus far.

Angola enters the quarterfinals brimming with confidence after an impressive undefeated run to top Group D, marking their first quarterfinal appearance since hosting the 2010 tournament.

Ahead of the game, Nigeria's manager, Jose Peseiro, anticipates a formidable challenge from

"It's a quarter-final match. Both teams want to reach the semi-finals. It will be a tough match; we will bring commitment and sacrifice to try to overcome this great team, even if it's not a big name, to reach the semi-final." "Angola is not a big name in Africa, but they play very well. They are not here by luck; they have shown a lot of capability to reach the quarterfinals. Our team has scored five goals in four matches so far. We will attack with 11 and defend with 11 as well,” he told CAF Media.

Angola coach Pedro Gonçalves says the match is an opportunity for his nation to show their mettle.

“This match means a lot for our team and for the entire Angolan nation, which has dreamed for years of seeing the team at this stage of the competition. We will face Nigeria, a great nation in African football... This match is an opportunity to show our worth; we have worked and given our all to reach this level of competition. I congratulate my team, which has always been dedicated. The match is an opportunity to show that we have evolved.

"We respect Nigeria for what they have demonstrated so far in African football. Currently, Nigeria has a very strong team with players who play in major European leagues, such as the Premier League and Serie A... They use the best playing system to compete in this Africa Cup of Nations."

DR Congo vs. Guinea

The second quarter-final game on Friday will be between DR Congo and Guinea, starting at 11 PM EAT.

This will be the fourth AFCON match between DR Congo and Guinea. DR Congo has not defeated Guinea in their three previous encounters, including a 2-1 loss in 2004.

Despite not winning a game in regular time, DR Congo made it to the quarterfinals. The round of 16 triumph over Egypt came through post-match penalty shootouts.

Guinea, on the other hand, made it to the last eight courtesy of a 98th-minute Mohamed Bayo sucker punch against Equatorial Guinea.

Guinea has received a significant boost with the return of key players Naby Keita and Serhou Guirassy from their respective injuries. The two came on as substitutes against Equatorial Guinea after shaking off pre-tournament injuries.

Guinea coach Kaba Diawara says his game is ready for the battle on Friday “We are ready for the battle, both mentally and physically. We entered this AFCON conditioned to play seven finals. If it comes to penalties, we will go for it."

His Congo counterpart, Sebastien Desabre is equally upbeat "The team is highly motivated. We know we can achieve more in this tournament, which, for me, is not the AFCON of surprises but of hard work. The boys are on a mission, and we will not give up under any circumstances."

AFCON 2023: Alex Iwobi optimistic as Nigeria braces for quarterfinal battle against Angola

AFCON 2023 - QUARTER-FINALS

Friday

20:00: (1.67) Nigeria (3.50) Angola (5.90)

23:00: (2.55) Dr Congo (3.00) Guinea (3.05)

Saturday

20:00: (3.30) Mali (3.10) Ivory Coast (2.35)