Africa Cup of Nations update

Thursday 25 January 2024 09:53

The Africa Cup of Nations has reached the last-16 stage, with Manchester United's two representatives still involved.

Sofyan Amrabat produced a Man-of-the-Match display in Morocco's 1-0 victory over Zambia, which clinched top spot in Group F. Hakim Ziyech scored the only goal and the professional job, as the Atlas Lions were already assured of qualification prior to kick-off, allowed hosts Ivory Coast to sneak into the knockouts as one of the best third-placed sides.

"We wanted this first place," said our on-loan midfielder afterwards. "We are proud to have done it. It was a difficult match but we did the essentials. There is always room to improve before our next match. 

"We want to go as far as possible in this tournament and we will do our best to succeed."

Andre Onana will hope to keep goal in the big game against Nigeria.

Morocco, rated as one of the leading teams on the continent, will face South Africa on Tuesday.

The tie will take place at the Laurent Pokou Stadium in San-Pedro, kicking off at 20:00 GMT.

Meanwhile, Cameroon also remain in the hunt for the trophy and their dramatic 3-2 victory over Gambia has set up a last-16 date with Nigeria at the weekend.

The Abidjan showdown starts at 20:00 GMT on Saturday, and Andre Onana will hope to reclaim his place after being an unused substitute last time out.

We wish both Reds well in their endeavours, while Erik ten Hag's team focus on Sunday's Emirates FA Cup fourth-round tie at Newport County.

AFCON ROUND-OF-16 FIXTURES

Angola v Namibia
Nigeria v Cameroon
Equatorial Guinea v Guinea
Egypt v DR Congo
Cape Verde v Mauritania
Senegal v Ivory Coast
Mali v Burkina Faso
Morocco v South Africa

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