The knockout phase of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations begins this evening when Southern African neighbours Namibia and Angola take on each other followed by fierce rivals Nigeria and Cameroon.
There are lots of stars to look forward to, however Afrosport takes a look at five high profile names that will not feature in this part of the competition by virtue of exiting from the group stage.
Mohamed Kudus (Ghana)
The West Ham man was expected to be one of the stars of the tournament and he lived up to that billing with his brace in the 2-2 Group B draw with Egypt.
Sadly, Ghana could only gather two points from three games which was not enough to see them through as one of the four best third-placed finishers.
Anis Ben Slimane (Tunisia)
Ben Slimane was the star of the Carthage Eagles and though he was was ever-present for the team, he could not inspire them into the knockout phase.
Two points from three games meant Tunisia were leapfroged by Nambia, who incidentally made it to the knockout phase for the very first time in just their fourth AFCON outing.
Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)
Mahrez was another player expected to light up AFCON with his well-documented experience in the tournament that handed Algeria the title in 2019.
He was named African Player of the Year that same year but brought none of that A game to the Ivory Coast as Algeria finished bottom of Group D behind Mauritania who defeated them and made it through as one of the best third-placed sides.
Patson Daka (Zambia)
The Chipolopolo have made a name for themselves since winning AFCON in 2012.
There were therfore high expectations for them to have a good outing in the Ivory Coast led by Daka. The Leicester City forward was however only able to score one goal and provide one assist as Zambia finished with just two points in Group F.
Reinildo Mandava (Mozambique)
The Mambas raised eyebrows when they were on the cusp of defeating Egypt in their Group B opener. A draw was still a favourable result but the 3-0 loss to fellow Lusophone country Cape Verde did no good before securing a comeback 2-2 draw against Ghana.
Pulling those strings was the tenacious and versatile Mandava. The Atletico Madrid man was ever-present for the team, scoring the equaliser against the Ghanaians.
Making it to the knockout phase would have been surreal for Mozambique but Mandava’s effort was not enough to make it a reality.
