The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) group stage concluded with high-octane drama as defending champions Ivory Coast and five-time winners Cameroon both staged thrilling second-half comebacks to secure their places in the Round of 16.
Ivory Coast recovered from a two-goal deficit to defeat Gabon 3-2. After early strikes from Gabon’s Guélor Kanga and Denis Bouanga, the "Elephants" fought back through Jean‑Philippe Krasso before substitutes Evann Guessand and Bazoumana Touré sealed the win in the 84th and 90+ minute respectively. The victory places Ivory Coast at the top of Group F over Cameroon—who beat Mozambique 2-1—by virtue of total goals scored.
Despite a 2-0 loss to Burkina Faso, Sudan has successfully qualified for the knockout stages as one of the best third-place finishers. This achievement comes amid significant adversity, as the team has played all qualification matches abroad due to the ongoing civil war and humanitarian crisis in Sudan. Coach James Appiah dedicated the progress to the Sudanese people.
Algeria maintained their dominant form with a 3-1 victory over Equatorial Guinea. Emilio Nsue, the 36-year-old veteran, scored a consolation goal for Equatorial Guinea in his first "legally cleared" appearance following a previous FIFA eligibility dispute.
The knockout phase is set with several blockbuster fixtures:
Senegal vs. Sudan (Saturday, Tangier)
Cameroon vs. South Africa (Sunday, Rabat)
Morocco vs. Tanzania (Sunday, Rabat)
Egypt vs. Benin (Monday, Agadir)
Ivory Coast vs. Burkina Faso (Tuesday, Marrakech)
Algeria vs. Congo (Tuesday, Rabat)
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