Ghana, South Africa, Ivory Coast, Mali, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Togo and Cape Verde
have all sealed a spot in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals. Seven out
of the eight slots available have been grabbed by West African states – South Africa
being the only team from elsewhere to reach the last eight. All the teams from the
usually strong North African states were eliminated in the group stages.
The Black Stars of Ghana, who are second favourites to win the competition behind
Ivory Coast, beat Niger with goals from Asamoah Gyan, Christian Atsu and John
Boye.
“We stepped up our game and won against a good Niger team (..) We hope to do
better as we progress in this competition,” said Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah, a squad
member when the Black Stars last won the Cup of Nations 31 years ago in Libya.
Host nation South Africa qualified for the last eight with a 2-2 draw against Morocco.
Bafana Bafana came back from behind twice to draw with the Atlas Lions in their last
Group A match to make it through to the first knockout round. They will take on Mali
at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, February 2.
Already qualified Ivory Coast salvaged a come from behind 2- 2 draw against Algeria
to maintain their unbeaten record in the Nations Cup. Former Chelsea hero Didier
Drogba, whose move to Turkish club Galatasaray was announced this week, scored
his first goal of the tournament to kick start the Elephants’ come back from a 0-2
deficit.
Ivory Coast coach Sabri Lamouchi said, “It was a good game despite the situation
of both teams. What I appreciate the most is my players’ reaction in the second half.
They refused to lose; they didn’t want to accept the defeat.”
Surprise package Cape Verde, playing in the finals for the first time, also made it to
the quarter-finals, where they will take on Ghana, by signing off the group matches
with a 2-1 win over fellow Portuguese former colony Angola.
Mali’s footballers brought their fans some much-needed respite from the problems
back home by drawing 1-1 with the Democratic Republic of Congo to qualify to play
the tournament hosts.
Game of the round billing is promised by Nigeria’s match with Ivory Coast on
Sunday, February 3. The Eagles overcame plucky Ethiopia with two late penalties
won and scored by Chelsea’s Victor Moses.
“This is a victory for Nigerians wherever they are in the world,” Nigeria coach
Stephen Keshi told reporters.
“This is a time for celebration. I thought Sunday Mba was outstanding in midfield and
his introduction is part of my plan to build a team around young players, and senior
players like captain Joseph Yobo, vice-captain Victor Enyeama and John Obi Mikel
(..) Now we face title favourites Ivory Coast in the quarter-finals and there will be
no second chance for either side. I have a game plan but, with respect, that is for the
players and not for you guys (journalists).”
Togo qualified for the quarter-finals for the first time by drawing with Tunisia, who
spurned a chance to progress with a missed penalty late on. They will now meet
Burkina Faso in Sunday’s quarter-final in Nelspruit.
“This is a historic day for my country, my people, my family and for all those who
love football in my country,” captain Emmanuel Adebayor told BBC Sport. “It’s a
special moment, we just have to enjoy it.”
It has been a disappointing tournament for defending champions Zambia. Failure to
beat Burkina Faso and Nigeria’s late win condemned the holders to the next flight
home, albeit undefeated. It is 21 years since the holders of the Africa Cup of Nations
failed to make it past the group stages in the next tournament.
Zambia coach Herve Renard told reporters: “It’s better to have won something in your
life than always qualify for the quarter-finals, but never win anything. Everybody is
sad but my players did their maximum and I’m very proud of them. It’s not the end of
the world.”
“I loved my team tonight, I can’t play with eight defenders. If there is someone who is
responsible for our defeat then it’s me, not my players.”
