As the final group stage matches of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) take place this week, the competition remains fierce. Only two teams have secured their places in the last-16, leaving fourteen spots still up for grabs.
Each group will see two teams advancing, along with the four best third-placed teams, shaping the round of 16 in the ongoing AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire.
Let’s take a closer look at the standings, last-16 permutations, and predictions ahead of the decisive group games from C, D, E, F.
Group A:
Equatorial Guinea: 7 points (QUALIFIED)
Nigeria: 7 points (QUALIFIED)
Cote d’Ivoire: 3 points
Guinea Bissau: 0 Points
Final Group Fixtures:
Equatorial Guinea 4-0 Ivory Coast
Nigeria 1-0 Guinea Bissau
Analysis:
Three teams are likely to qualify from Group A, with Cote d’Ivoire expected to join Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria.
Group B:
Cape Verde: 7 points (QUALIFIED)
Egypt: 3 points (QUALIFIED)
Ghana: 2 points
Mozambique: 2 points
Final Group Fixtures:
Egypt 2-2 Cape Verde
Ghana 2-2 Mozambique
Analysis:
Cape Verde and Egypt have qualified from Group B. Ghana can join but holds very slim chance depending on results from final fixtures from other groups.
Group C:
Senegal: 6 points (QUALIFIED)
Guinea: 4 points
Cameroon: 1 point
Gambia: 0 points
Final Group Fixtures:
Senegal vs. Guinea
Cameroon vs. Gambia
Analysis:
Senegal has secured qualification for the knockout round, with Guinea likely to advance in second place. Cameroon needs a 3+ goal win against Gambia to stay in contention.
Group D:
Angola: 4 points
Burkina Faso: 4 points
Algeria: 2 points
Mauritania: 0 points
Final Group Fixtures:
Algeria vs. Mauritania
Angola vs. Burkina Faso
Analysis:
Three teams are likely to qualify from Group D, with Algeria having the chance to join Angola and Burkina Faso in the Round of 16.
Group E:
Mali: 4 points
South Africa: 3 points
Namibia: 3 points
Tunisia: 1 point
Final Group Fixtures:
South Africa vs. Tunisia
Mali vs. Namibia
Analysis:
Group E presents a tricky scenario with potential drama on the final day. Mali is safe, and it’s a winner-takes-all between Tunisia and South Africa, while Namibia needs at least a draw against Mali.
Group F:
Morocco: 4 points
DR Congo: 2 points
Zambia: 2 points
Tanzania: 1 point
Final Group Fixtures:
Morocco vs. Zambia
DR Congo vs. Tanzania
Analysis:
Morocco is certain to qualify, and DR Congo can still secure qualification as second with a draw, unless Zambia pulls an upset against Morocco.
Possible Last 16 Teams:
Senegal, Cape Verde, Mali, Guinea, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Burkina Faso, Angola, Egypt, Cameroon, Algeria, Ghana, South Africa or Tunisia, DR Congo or Zambia.