How Morocco’s Win Helped Côte d’Ivoire Sneak Back Into AFCON Round 16

Following the completion of the group stage games on Wednesday, the fixtures for the round of 16 are now confirmed with Nigeria facing a familiar foe in Cameroon.

Equatorial Guinea, who finished as winners of Group A will face Guinea, who reach the knockout round as one of the four best third-placed teams.

Having finished third in Group A, host nation Côte d’Ivoire had to wait till the final match day of the group stage to clinch a late qualification as one of the best third-placed teams after Morocco defeated Zambia 1-0 on Wednesday night to help the Elephants.

Morocco’s victory over Zambia sent Ivorians reeling with jubilations. The host nation face a difficult game against defending champions Senegal, the only team that finished the group stage with a perfect record.

Group D winners Angola will face Namibia and Egypt will tango DR Congo. Group A winners Cape Verde will face knockout round debutants Mauritania, with their win against Algeria on Tuesday to advance.

Mali will face Burkina Faso.

World Cup semi-finalists Morocco and South Africa will lock horns.

Round of 16 fixtures

January 27

Angola vs Namibia

Nigeria vs Cameroon

January 28

Equatorial Guinea vs Guinea

Egypt vs DR Congo

January 29

Cape Verde vs Mauritania

Sénégal vs Côte d’Ivoire

January 30

Mali vs Burkina Faso

Morocco vs South Africa