Mali, Burkina Faso, South Africa, Morocco battle for AFCON quarterfinal slots

South Africa in training. (Photo: X/Bafana Bafana)

By Rama Mohammed
Tuesday, January 30, 2024

The battle for quarterfinal slots intensifies in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with Mali facing Burkina Faso and South Africa taking on Morocco today.

The fervor of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) escalates as the race for quarterfinal berths intensifies with two captivating Round of 16 encounters on the horizon. The tournament, marked by thrilling matches, has seen unexpected eliminations, heightening anticipation for the upcoming fixtures.

Mali vs Burkina Faso - 8PM EAT

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In what promises to be a clash of titans, Mali is set to face off against neighboring Burkina Faso at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium in Korhogo. Separated by a mere 650 kilometers, the proximity between the two nations adds an extra layer of intensity to the encounter. Both sides, yearning for continental glory, have previously fallen short on two separate occasions, amplifying the stakes of this encounter.

2 Intense matches incoming! 🚨

Here are today's games. 👇#TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/UEs71fh5Xt
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) January 30, 2024

Mali, buoyed by a strong start in Group E with a 2-0 victory over South Africa, aims to maintain momentum despite stumbling in their subsequent matches against Tunisia and Namibia. Meanwhile, Burkina Faso, after a rocky start, managed to secure passage to the Round of 16 with a hard-fought victory over Mauritania and a draw against Algeria. With both teams boasting a rich AFCON history, having each reached the final before, the clash promises to be a spectacle of skill and determination.

South Africa vs Morocco - 11PM EAT

Following this riveting opener, attention shifts to the showdown between South Africa and Morocco at the Stade Laurent Pokou in San Pedro.

South Africa, having recovered from an initial setback against Mali with emphatic wins over Namibia and a draw with Tunisia, faces the formidable challenge posed by Morocco. The Atlas Lions, inspired by their impressive run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, enter the fixture with a clear ambition to claim AFCON glory. However, a draw against DR Congo and a narrow victory over Zambia in the group stage have left room for uncertainty, adding intrigue to their encounter with South Africa.

As anticipation mounts for these crucial matches, coaches and players alike recognize the significance of the Round of 16 stage. Morocco's coach, Walid Regragui, emphasizes the need for focus and humility in the face of formidable opponents, acknowledging the absence of key players due to injury.

The award-winning tactician however regretted the absence of Sofiane Boufal who is injured. He also revealed that Hakim Ziyech is a doubt for the game. “Boufal is out and his AFCON Côte d'Ivoire 2023 is over. He has a muscular problem and, barring a surprise, we won't be seeing him again. Ziyech is also suffering from his ankle. The medical staff and I are doing everything we can to get him back on the pitch. If we have to take a risk with him, we'll take it,” he revealed.

Conversely, Hugo Broos, South Africa's coach, exudes confidence in his team's ability to defy the odds and create surprises in the tournament, underscoring the unpredictable nature of AFCON.

"It's a knockout match. It's a change of competition. We can't afford to make any mistakes. We've done well so far, but we want to do better. We have a lot of respect for South Africa. They were the last team to beat us on the continent. We're not in a favourable position, which is why I'm insisting on my group's humility,” he told CAF Online.

With the spotlight firmly on these encounters, football enthusiasts await the drama and excitement that are sure to unfold as Mali battles Burkina Faso and South Africa takes on Morocco in the quest for AFCON glory.