We now approaching the last 2 matches of round one in the AFCON taking place in Ivory Coast. World Cup semi-finalists Morocco took on Tanzania last night. Morocco beat 10-man Tanzania 3-0. while in the late 10 pm kick-off, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia shared the spoils in an entertaining 1-1 draw.
There have been some notable statistics in this year’s African Cup Of Nations. all the teams participating in the tournament have represented their countries before in the tournament. No newcomers, which would also explain the competitive nature of this edition. Goals have been difficult to come by for various teams in the 34th edition of the tournament. With a tally of 28 goals scored in the first round, bar tonight’s last two matches.
Tournament hosts Ivory Coast have started like a host nation should, notching up an impressive 2-0 victory against Guinea Bissau, while there have been some shock results as several “underdogs” have caused upsets thus far. Equatorial Guinea held a star-studded Super Eagles side to a 1-1 draw, Egypt saving their blushes with a late Salah penalty to salvage a 2-2 draw against Mozambique.
The shock of the tournament so far comes from the game between Ghana and Cape Verde. The Islanders shooting for the stars and bringing down the that of Ghana. South Africa unfortunately couldn’t use the hopes of a nation to propel them to a victory against Mali. Hugo Bross, a coach who has won the tournament before with Cameroon, alongside his technical staff was hoping the 1996 winners of the AFCON cup would start like a house on fire, Mali was quick to extinguish those hopes and aspirations.
As we approach round two of matches we are most certainly in for a blockbuster of a round. At this stage, it is difficult to predict anything as all the groups are finely poised. The next few weeks are bound to be a rollercoaster of ride. Stay tuned
