2017 African Cup of Nations: Quarter Final Preview

The Quarter final round of the 2017 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks-off today as we reach the business end of the tournament. The tournament has provided us  with some shocks so far, with pre-tournament favorites Algeria and Ivory Coast knocked out as early as the group stages. With minnows Burkina Faso rising up against all the odds, anything is possible in this years AFCON.

1.Burkina Faso vs Tunisia:

The first of the four quarter finals will be between Burkina Faso and Tunisia. This will be the fifth meeting between the two sides with Burkina Faso unbeaten in the last three games.Despite the losses of Joanthon Zongo and Jonathon Pitroipa, Burkina did manage to top the group , thanks largely to their star forward, Bertrand Traore. The Chelsea loanee has been pivotal to the team’s attack providing his finest display in the victory over Guinea-Bissau. Tunisia will be counting on their star man Youssef Msakni to come up with the goods.

2. Senegal vs Cameroon:

The most awaited quarter final clash will be between Senegal and Cameroon. Senegal come into the tournament as heavy favorites with leading man Sadio Mane firing on all cylinders. The Liverpool winger has been crucial to Senegal going forward, scoring two important goals in the group stages. Cameroon skipper,Benjamin Moukandjo will have to put up an impressive display if Cameroon stand any chance of pulling up an upset. Senegal have a slight advantage in this fixture with five wins against Cameroon’s four.

Sadio mane has been in hot form for Senegal.

3.Congo Dr vs Ghana

Congo go into this fixture as favorites owing to their good form and the absence of Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan. This will be the 14th encounter between the two countries with Ghana holding the edge with seven victories.Th game will be held on sunday at 16.00 hours.

Ghana will miss their captain Asamoah Gyan due to injury.

4. Egypt vs Morocco:

Egypt come into this fixture on the back of a splendid group stage winning all three of their games and not conceding a single goal. With stars like Mohamed Elneny and  Mohamad Salah, they are firm favorites to make it all the way to the final.Morocco will  also be in high spirits after beating heavyweights Ivory Coast in the group stages.The game takes place on sunday at 19.00 hours.