We are edging ever closer to the moment of knowing who all will be gracing us with their football prowess in AFCON 2015 quarter finals. Yesterday we had the honour of seeing Africa’s number 1 team reaffirming their dominance, and giving this writer his pick for the trophy come next Sunday. We also got to see what happens when 1 of the teams decides to actually stop playing in the the second half, while up against World Cup quarter finalists. Nothing good can come from that and Bafana Bafana leaving Equatorial Guinea with a single log point. That is terrible going, no matter what the politicians are trying to tell us.
Here are the details of the two games played yesterday from Group C. At the Estadio De Mongomo, it was all about an outright win for either South Africa or Ghana, with the hopes of securing a quarter final spot. Ghana started the better team, but South Africa were no strangers to hard running and slick passing. As usual the South Africans lacked finishing power, but all their possession told, with a superb volley from Madla Masango on 17 minutes, smacking into the back of the net. It seemed like we had a game on our hands. Possession seemed well shared between the teams and an upset really did seem possible for the team that previously looked set to land in Johannesburg with the wooden spoon firmly in hand. The half ended with the feeling that the game could still swing either way, but then something odd happened. The second half began, with many wondering what Avram Grant may have said to his troops in the change room, because they came out as though their lives depended on it, and they upped the tempo, taking the pace of the game away from a now seemingly lackluster and clueless Bafana. They had to endure incredible pressure and something had to give. John Boye and Andre Ayew were the heroes with their second half goals seeing the West Africans come from behind to book their quarter final spots with a 2-1 win. Why not enjoy some of the video highlights, thanks to Supersport.com
Meanwhile, in Malabo, Algeria defeated Senegal, 2-0 to finish second in Group C. The West Africans are heading home after a really tense encounter. Riyad Mahrez scored an early goal and 8 minutes from time, Nabil Bentaleb ensure it was all over for Senegal. The Algerians didn’t just cruise through this game, with a tough 20 minutes either side of half time, making them realise that they are not invincible. Algeria remain my team to win AFCON 2015, and I’m taking a lot of stick from the Cote d’Ivoire supporters. Let’s wait and see. All the Senegal vs Algeria highlights can be found here, thanks to Supersport.com.
In Group D action today, we have the honour of seeing 4 teams, all on 2 points, having all scored 1-1 draws against each other meaning all are level on goal difference. It’s odd, and it means quarter final positions are there for the taking. From Estadio de Mongomo we have Guinea up against Mali and from Estadio de Malab, we have the juicy clash of Cameroon versus Cote d’Ivoire. That is my pick to watch, and I’ve got my heart set on seeing the Ivory Coast progress to the quarters. Let me know which of the matches you’ll be watching tonight and who you think will complete the top 8. We’ll be back tomorrow with all the details.