As the Africa Cup of Nations continues Matchday 2 brought us some great games. From last-minute goals to strategic displays, the competition intensified as some teams could already secure their spots in the knockout stages.
Let’s dive into the highlights of Matchday 2 of the AFCON Group Stage and current standings ahead of the third, final group matches.
Group Stage Matchday 2 Results
Group A
- Equatorial Guinea 4 – 2 Guinea Bissau
- Ivory Coast 0 – 1 Nigeria
Equatorial Guinea moved closer to advancing to the knockout stages at the Africa Cup of Nations by defeating Guinea-Bissau 4-2. Former Middlesbrough player Emilio Nsue contributed a hat-trick to the victory. In addition, Josete Miranda also found the back of the net for Equatorial Guinea. With four points from two matches in Group A, National Thunder are in a favourable position, although they anticipate a challenging final game against hosts Ivory Coast.
Nigeria significantly advanced their chances of reaching the last 16 in the 2023 AFCON by securing a 1-0 victory over hosts Ivory Coast. The pivotal moment of the match occurred in the 55th minute. Ousmane Diomande fouled Victor Osimhen in the box, then William Troost-Ekong converted from the penalty spot with a powerful strike. This win moves Nigeria into the second position. The current four points might already be enough to ensure advancement to the knockout stage. Meanwhile for Ivory Coast the upcoming match against Equatorial Guinea is going to be crucial to move to the knockout stage.
| Team | W | D | L | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equatorial Guinea | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| Nigeria | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| Ivory Coast | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| Guinea Bissau | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
Group B Matchday 2 Results
- Egypt 2 – 2 Ghana
- Cape Verde 3 – 0 Mozambique
The Black Stars had a promising start but struggled against Egypt’s solid defence. Despite Mohammed Kudus scoring both goals for Ghana, defensive lapses allowed Egypt to come from behind twice. Unfortunately Egypt lost Mohamed Salah to injury. With just one point, Ghana remains at the bottom of Group B, tied with Mozambique. The upcoming encounter between both teams on Matchday 3 will determine Ghana’s fate. Egypt secured the second spot with two points, trailing behind group leaders Cape Verde. The latter are now already qualified for the Last 16.
| Team | W | D | L | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Verde | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Egypt | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Ghana | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Mozambique | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Group C
- Senegal 3 – 1 Cameroon
- Guinea 1 – 0 Gambia
Defending champions Senegal secured their spot in the last 16 of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with a 3-1 victory over Cameroon. Ismaila Sarr opened the scoring for Senegal in the 16th minute. Then Habib Diallo extended the lead to 2-0 midway through the second half. Jean-Charles Castelletto’s goal for Cameroon with seven minutes remaining created a tense finale. However, Sadio Mane sealed the win in stoppage time, ensuring Senegal’s progression.
In the group standings, Guinea holds the second position after a 1-0 victory over The Gambia. Aguibou Camara’s second-half goal and therefore the win positions Guinea on the verge of securing a spot in the last 16.
This outcome of Matchday 2 implies for this AFCON group that Guinea need just a draw against Senegal in their next match to guarantee qualification for the last 16. However, a win means they progress as group winners. Cameroon will likely need to defeat The Gambia in the last group stage game to advance to the knockout stages. With one point from two games, the five-time continental champions could potentially qualify as one of the four best third-placed teams if they do not surpass Guinea in terms of goal difference or goals scored.
| Team | W | D | L | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senegal | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Guinea | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| Cameroon | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Gambia | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
Group D
- Algeria 2 – 2 Burkina Faso
- Mauritania 2 – 3 Angola
In the last moments of the match, Algeria secured a dramatic 2-2 draw. Baghdad Bounedjah scored just when Burkina Faso believed they had clinched victory. Despite a penalty from Bertrand Traore of Aston Villa seemingly sealing the win for Burkina Faso, Bounedjah, who had earlier levelled the score for Algeria, netted his second goal in added time. What a great end to an overall astonishing game.
Gelson Dala’s two goals propelled Angola closer to securing a spot in the next stage of the Africa Cup of Nations last 16. They triumphed 3-2 over Mauritania and take therefore the lead in Group D. The match was characterised by a flurry of high-quality goals. Winger Gilberto contributed the third goal for the victorious team, while Amar Sidi Bouna and Aboubakary Koita scored impressive individual efforts for Mauritania. Unfortunately, this marked Mauritania’s second loss in the tournament, placing them at the bottom of the group standings.
Angola, leading on goals scored, surpassed Burkina Faso, securing the top spot. Top seeds Algeria occupy currently only the third position in the group with two points.
| Team | W | D | L | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angola | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Burkina Faso | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| Algeria | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Mauritania | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
Group E
- Tunisia 1 – 1 Mali
- South Africa 4 – 0 Namibia
In a clash of the Eagles, Tunisia secured their first point in Group E by holding Mali to a draw. Lassine Sinayoko opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a precise shot off the far post. However, Hamza Rafia levelled the score for Tunisia just 10 minutes later, slotting his shot under the goalkeeper following a well-executed team play. Overall both teams, initially considered pre-AFCON favourites to top the group, managed to score with their sole attempts on target during a night characterised by frequent errant shooting.
Following their disappointing defeat to Mali on Matchday 1 South Africa secured their first victory in the 2023 AFCON. That is to they, Bafana Bafana was quite dominant. Percy Tau’s early penalty set the tone, complemented by Themba Zwane’s brace and a goal from Thapelo Maseko, culminating in a convincing 4-0 triumph.
| Team | W | D | L | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mali | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| South Africa | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| Namibia | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| Tunisia | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Group F
- Morocco 1 – 1 DR Congo
- Zambia 1 – 1 Tanzania
Morocco took an early lead. However, despite being one pre-tournament favourite, they ended up sharing points with DR Congo during their AFCON Matchday 2 encounter. Achraf Hakimi found the net in the sixth minute for Morocco. However, the Congolese missed a first-half penalty opportunity, only to see substitute Silas Katompa score a well-deserved equaliser in the 76th minute. The draw prevented Morocco from securing an early qualification for the last 16. However, with four points, they are likely to advance. Meanwhile, the Democratic Republic of Congo has drawn both of their opening two matches.
Despite Tanzania’s historical struggles in previous finals in 1980 and 2019 and the recent suspension of coach Adel Amrouche, who was handed an eight-match ban on Friday, the team, led by interim coach Hemed Suleiman, displayed resilience. Tanzania took an early lead with Simon Msuva’s 11th-minute goal. This put hem on the path to their inaugural win in the group. However, Patson Daka’s powerful header in the 88th minute ensured that the match ended in a draw.
After Matchday 2 everything is still open at this stage in AFCON Group F. All teams could potentially advance to the AFCON Knockout Stage
| Team | W | D | L | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morocco | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| DR Congo | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Zambia | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Tanzania | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Round of 16 Qualification after Matchday 2
After Matchday 2 of the AFCON group stage some teams have already secured their qualification for the knockout stage. Both Senegal as well as Cape Verde secured their spot in the last 16.
Aside from these 2 teams 14 other teams can secure their spot in the third and final round of matches. The two top teams from each of the six groups, plus the 4 best third-placed teams will progress. For the other eight teams the campaign ends after the group stage. That is to say Matchday 3 will be full of excitement.
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