AFCON 2023 drama unfolds: Exciting matchups and predictions for 1/8 finals

The reliable bookmaker 1xBet announces the Africa Cup of Nations 1/8 finals matches, which will be held from January 27 to 30.

Angola v Namibia

Both teams are not among the top 100 in the FIFA rankings, so their qualification for the Afcon playoffs came as a big surprise to all experts. Angola drew with Algeria, and victories over Mauritania (3-2) and Burkina Faso (2-0) brought them first place in Group D. The Black Antelopes played efficiently and effectively even without Fiorentina forward M’Bala Nzola, who refused to go to the tournament and probably regrets his decision. Now, Angola has every chance to repeat its best result and reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 2010.

Namibia has never qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations playoff stage before, and they managed to do this with an astonishing 1-4 goal difference. It is the worst result among the tournament’s top 16 participants. Still, having failed the match against South Africa (0-4), the Brave Warriors played against Tunisia (1-0) and Mali (0-0) without mistakes in defence.

The current stage is already a success for both neighbouring countries, but why not aim for more? Angola is considered the favourite by bookmakers, but the Black Antelopes are more comfortable playing on counterattacks. As forNamibia, this squad has a historic chance, which it will hold on to with all its might.

Nigeria v Cameroon

The Super Eagles of Nigeria. Photo: AFP

We will see the classic struggle between the African giants in the playoffs 1st round. Nigeria and Cameroon finished second in their groups, but the Super Eagles pragmatically scored 7 points with a 3-1 goal difference, while the Indomitable Lions were on the brink of disaster. Only Christopher Wooh’s saving goal