They did not dissapoint! after playing out an entertaing 2-2 draw in a match were Ghana were 2-0 up at one stage. Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu and Kwadwo Asamoah's goals looked to have given the Black Stars victory but Congo stormed back with two goals to clinch a well deserved draw. Mali won a tight game over Niger in the same group with veteran Seydou Keita grabbing the winner. Monday saw the defending champions start their campaign with a 1-1 draw with Ethiopia wh are in their first nations cup finals since 1976. Nigeria and Burkina Faso concluded the action in Group C which ended in another 1-1 draw.
Ivory Coast became the first team to qualify for the quarter finals after two wins in their opening two games. The Elephants scraped past Togo but then breezed past Tunisia with Gervinho and Yaya Toure both scoring in a 3-0 victory. Togo seemed to have put there dissapointment of the first game behind them with a smash and grab 2-0 win over Algeria who must consider themselves lucky to be out of the competition after losing two games against Tunisia and Togo that they arguably dominated.
Group A finally saw some goals in their second round of matches. With the hosts South Africa securing the first win of the tournament with a 2-0 victory over Angola. Morocco and Cape Verde both drew their second match of the tournament after playing out a 1-1 draw. A first half penalty by Mubarek Wakoso ensured Ghana beat Mali in a close match, whilst DR Congo could not build on their performance against Ghana in their first match when they played Niger which ended in 0-0 draw. Nigeria have still yet to win their first game after they drew 1-1 with Zambia on Friday after alate penalty from Zambian keeper Kennedy Mweene denied the Super Eagles victory. Group rivals Burkina Faso got their first win by hammering Ethiopia 4-0 in a scoreline which somewhat flattered them.
With Ivory Coast already through to the last eight the following week will reveal the other seven nations who will join them. South Africa and Ghana look in strong positions in Group A and B respectively whilst Group C is wide open with Zambia, Nigeria & Burkina Faso fighting it out for two quarter final places.
It's gonna be emotional! Until next time....
Ben
@Creativafr | @Kwesitheauthor