Algeria, Ivory Coast Secure AFCON Quarterfinal Spots. City, Country — The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarterfinal lineup was finalized on Tuesday, with Algeria and defending champion Ivory Coast securing their spots in the next stage of the tournament.
According to local reports, Algeria needed a brilliant strike from Adil Boulbina at the end of extra time to secure a 1-0 victory over Congo.
The win was crucial for Algeria, who faced elimination from the tournament. Amad Diallo and Yan Diomande both scored and set up each other’s goals for Ivory Coast, who progressed with a 3-0 win over Burkina Faso, with Bazoumana Touré sealing the Elephants’ victory.
The defending champion, Ivory Coast, will next face Egypt in Agadir in the last quarterfinal on Saturday, while Algeria will play Nigeria in Marrakech.
Mali will face 2021 winner Senegal in the first quarterfinal in Tangier on Friday, and host nation Morocco will entertain five-time winner Cameroon in Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The winner of Morocco’s quarterfinal against Cameroon will face the winner of Algeria vs. Nigeria on January 14.
The other semifinal — between the winners of Mali vs. Senegal and Egypt vs. Ivory Coast — will be played on the same day earlier in Tangier.
The Africa Cup of Nations is a major international football tournament featuring teams from African nations and is organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The tournament has a rich history, with its first edition held in 1957. Ivory Coast has previously hosted the tournament in 1984 and has been a powerhouse in African football, with a strong history in the AFCON.
Further details regarding Ivory Coast’s match and standout performances in the quarterfinal matches are expected to be released in the coming days.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
