AFCON Update: Nigeria and Ivory Coast in a grudge match, Ghana must not lose

Africa Cup of Nations round one wrap-up and round two previews; upsets, draws, and key matchups.

 

Ivory Coast will seek to build on their impressive opener when they face Nigeria on Thursday, it's a clash to look forward to. (Photo credit: GOAL)

Zambia’s 1-1 draw with DR Congo concluded the first round of group stage matches in the Africa Cup of Nations, with Thursday's games set to lead us into round two of group stage matches.

Highlights of the first round include major upsets against Ghana and Tunisia, with both sides losing 2-1 to Cape Verde and 1-0 to Namibia, respectively, not forgetting the stalemates involving the Super Eagles of Nigeria, the Pharos of Egypt, and the indomitable Lions of Cameroon against seemingly lesser sides.

Round two of games is kicking off with two juggernauts of games, with hosts Ivory Coast squaring up with sleeping giants Nigeria, while Mohammed Salah’s Egypt will try to right the wrongs of round one against the Black Stars that returned wounded against Cape Verde.

Taking each game on its merit, both can serve us delicious contests, with all four sides going into the games with something to prove. With grudges here and there and second-round tickets on the table as well, we’re in for a treat.

The first of the two will be between Ivory Coast and Nigeria. The last time these two met was in the 2013 edition, where Nigeria buried the Elephants in the quarterfinals on their way to their third AFCON title. The hosts will be out for revenge.

Nigeria laboured to a 1-1 draw in their opening game against Equatorial Guinea and will look to get back on track, but with the talent pool available to the Ivorians, Nigeria will have it all to do to break down the tournament hosts.

Speaking of talents, both sides have a rich squad, with Nigeria boasting reigning African Player of the Year Victor Osimhen and former Arsenal playmaker Alex Iwobi. Ivory Coast is captained by former Tottenham star Serge Aurier and has top stars like BVB striker Serge Aurier and Seko Fofana in their ranks.

Mohammed Salah’s late penalty earned Egypt a point against Mozambique in their opener. They will hope to do better against a side that must not lose. Ghana’s situation is precarious; they dare not lose to the Egyptians because a loss signals the end of their tournament.

The duo of Mohammed Kudus and Inaki Williams will hope to start the game to help Ghana achieve a result after they struggled with Antoine Semenyo upfront against the Sharks. It’s a straightforward affair for the Ghanaians, win or burst.