The hosts South Africa delighted a nation by making it to the last eight after a 2-2 draw against Morocco which meant the North africans missed out in favour of the suprise package in Group A, Cape verde.
In Group B Ghana made sure of their quialification with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Niger. Mali also qualified alongside the Blackstars despite drawing theif final game with DR Congo in a match they could have easily lost.
Two late goals from Chelsea's Victor Moses against Ethiopia ensured Nigerias progress from Group C. Whilst reigning champions were dumped out after they could only manage a goalless draw with Burkina Faso who qualify along with the supereagles.
Lastly to Group D where the battle was on to see who would join Ivory Coast as qualifiers. That honour went to Togo after they drew 1-1 with Tunisia and Algeria could only manage a draw against the Ivorians. So the quarter final draw looks like this:
Ghana v Cape Verde
South Africa v Mali
Ivory Coast v Nigeria
Burkina Faso v Togo
The standout tie is Ivory Coast against Nigeria with the Ivorians starting as favourites but the super eagles hoping to spring a suprise. Whilst Ghana are expected to beat Cape Verde, the hosts against Mali could be a close encounter. Togo would fancy their chances against Burkina Faso but they will need to be wary of their opponents attacking prowess. As they say the real competition starts now!
Should be an interesting weekend...
Ben
@creativafr | @kwesitheauthor