The Round of 16 of the 2024 African Cup of Nations will go underway today as the game between Namibia and Angola will be the curtain raiser for the remainder of this round games. The game will kick-off by 6pm Nigerian time at Stade de la Paix, Bouaké in Cote'dvoire.
Being one of just six teams to amass at least seven points in the AFCON group stage, it’s been so far so good for Angola. Their group stage campaign ended with a two-nil victory against Burkina Faso, and after an impatient wait to find out their last-16 opponent due to the fact they’re facing one of the four best third-placed finishers, Namibia await them here.
Having to lock horn against a third-placed finisher may suggest The Black Sable Antelopes have been given a more preferential tie, but they’re actually ranked lower by FIFA at 117 than their opponents today 115. That’s one psychological obstacle to overcome, but having never lost a Head-to-Head against Namibia (W6, D6), they would like to think they have what it takes to advance to the quarter-finals for the first time since they hosted AFCON in 2010.
Those neutrals watching the AFCON for entertainment value would’ve been disheartened by Group E’s final matchday, as both games ended in a barren draw. The Brave Warriors of Namibia didn’t mind though as it was enough to see them creep into the knockouts and enter unchartered territory, as never before have they participated in a post-group stage AFCON fixture.
Whatever the outcome maybe today, the Brave Warriors have done their nation proud, considering that prior to this tournament they would never as much as won an AFCON fixture, but having beaten Africa’s third-highest ranked nation already this tournament in Tunisia, they have an eye for an upset. They are termed as underdogs yet again here, yet with two clean sheets from their three group games, they could prove a hard nut to crack for the Angolans.
Players to Watch
Angola’s Mabululu has seen four of his last six international goals serve as the second of the game. Hoping to keep him quiet, Namibia goalkeeper Lloyd Kazapua has amassed an impressive four shutouts from his last six international appearances.
Hot Stat
All three of Angola’s games so far in this tournament saw at least one goal either side of half-time.
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