AFCON: Who has reached last 16? Who is out? Who could still advance?
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has delivered some spectacular football, with plenty of surprises and shock results so far.
The continent’s traditional powers have struggled to impose their might on their challengers with the likes of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana now needing to qualify as one of four best losers.
There has been no shortage of goals either, with not a single game ending goalless thus far.
With only four days until the Round of 16 starts, we look at the teams which have already progressed.
Group A
Equatorial Guinea: The Nzalang Nacional qualified after they were confirmed as the surprise group winners ahead of three-time champions Nigeria who finish second place (level on seven points).
Nigeria: The Super Eagles rounded off their group stage action by edging Guinea-Bissau 1-0 to advance.
Group B
Cape Verde: The Tubarões Azuis advanced as group winners with seven points with Egypt scraping through after forcing a 2-2 draw against the group leaders in their final pool fixture.
The Pharaohs may still not have qualified had Ghana not conceded two stoppage-time goals to throw away a 2-0 lead against lowly Mozambique and only finish third in the group.
Group C
Senegal: Swashbuckling Terranga Lions, who are the reigning champions, sealed their slot with one game to spare thanks to a 3-1 win over Cameroon.
The rest of the group stage action will close on Wednesday with the second round fixtures commencing on Saturday.
