The group stage of the 2022 African Nations Championship has come to an end with attention now shifting to the knockout phase beginning with the quarter-finals on Friday which be shown live on Afrosport (streaming link – Vidivu)
The group stage served a lot of action and surprises with some tournament favourites packing their bags early. Two-time champions DR Congo were among them, likewise 2014 champions Libya. This means there is no previous champion in the knockout phase of CHAN 2022 and that should make things even more interesting. Two-time runners-up Mali and two-time bronze medalists Sudan also had outings they’ll want to forget quickly as they make their way back home.
The quarter-finals will see some new faces in Mozambique and Madagascar who will go up against each other. Mauritania is another one while Niger are appearing in the knockout phase for the first time in 11 years. Algeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Senegal are the stronger forces and will be looking to avoid any potential slip ups that will derail their championship-winning hopes.
Here is a preview down of the quarter-finals fixtures.
Algeria vs Ivory Coast
Date: Friday, January 27, 2023
Venue: Nelson Mandela Stadium, Algiers
Kick-off: 5PM WAT
The Desert Foxes have been making good use of their advantage as CHAN hosts to get desired results.
The North African giants finished Group A with a 100% record and will have every ounce of confidence going into this fixture against the Ivorians. They are one of three teams to have not conceded in the tournament and that’s something the Ivorians should be worried about.
The Elephants finished second in Group B with four points, their 3-1 victory over Uganda the most important for them. After that was a goalless draw against DR Congo and a 1-0 loss to Senegal. They looked uninspiring in these games and if they are dreaming of a second-ever CHAN semi-final appearance, they will need to do much better against their opponents who are equally looking to make it to the CHAN semis for the second time.
Senegal vs Mauritania
Date: Friday, January 27, 2023
Venue: 19 May 1956 Stadium, Annaba
Kick-off: 8PM WAT
The Teranga Lions had a tricky run in group stage and looked like they were not going to qualify after losing to Uganda.
It left a lot to be desired from the team that finished fourth at the maiden CHAN tournament in 2009. They however bounced back and make it count against DR Congo, winning 3-0 to top the group.
It’s going to be a tricky one for the Senegalese as they will be up against their spirited neighbours in Mauritania. The Lions of Chinguetti put in a brave effort by sealing the only qualification spot available in Group D ahead of 2011 CHAN runners-up Angola as well as 2016 and 2020 runners-up Mali.
Mauritania are on a 14-game unbeaten run stretching back to last year and with few expecting them to do anything spectacular in Algeria, they’ll want to keep the surprises rolling.
Welcome to the #TotalEnergiesCHAN2022 quarter-finals! 🤩
Predicitions on who will make it to the semi-finals! 🤔 pic.twitter.com/5UNI1d6q9R
— MARHABA (@CAF_Online) January 27, 2023
Madagascar vs Mozambique
Date: Saturday, January 28, 2023
Venue: Mohamed Hamlaoui Stadium, Constantine
Kick-off: 5PM WAT
This is one of the interesting fixtures as it pits two teams who were considered minnows against each other.
The Malagasy are CHAN debutants in Algeria and where one would have expected they would get some drubbing, they shocked the entire African continent by finishing with maximum points, defeating Ghana, Sudan and earning walkover points against Morocco.
Madagascar were full of fire, netting five goals which is the most of any team in the tournament, together with already-eliminated Libya. This will give them more confidence heading into their clash with the Mozambicans.
The Mambas finished second in Group A ahead of Libya and Ethiopia. Their 3-2 victory over the Mediterranean Knights proved to be the most crucial, giving them their first-ever CHAN win. Chiquinho Conde’s men will want to continue with that run and have everything in their tank to make to it to the semi-finals.
Niger vs Ghana
Date: Saturday, January 28, 2023
Venue: Miloud Hadefi Stadium, Oran
Kick-off: 8PM WAT
The Mena had a tough run in the three-team Group E comprising of Cameroon and Congo. They however came out on top, finishing one point ahead of the Indomitable Lions.
Their 1-0 win over the Cameroonians was very crucial in booking their second-ever quarter-final appearance and they will have it all to do against the Black Stars.
The West Africans came close to winning the CHAN tournament in 2009 and 2014 but lost to DR Congo and Libya respectively on those occasions and will be more than eager to get it right this time after finishing second in Group C.
