The knockout stages of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations kicked off with a resounding 3-0 win for Angola over Namibia in an ill-tempered match that saw both sides reduced to ten men. Muondo Dala’s brace helped the Central African nation to their first quarterfinal appearance at the tourney since 2010. Prior to the 2023 edition of the tournament, Angola had only scored 2 goals in their last 7 AFCON matches including an own goal but have now scored 9 goals in 4 games – a tournament record for them. At the heart of their attacking threat is Muondo ‘Gelson’ Dala, whose flair upfront and clinical finish has seen him score four of the nation’s goals. The win is historic for the Antelopes of Angola, who at the 9th time of asking, have won a knockout game at the Africa Cup of Nations. Angola’s coach, Pedro Goncalves deserves to be given his flowers for reviving the nation’s football – led Angola to a third-place finish at the 2019 U-17 AFCON tournament, their first ever FIFA U-17 World Cup appearance and now a historic knockout win.
At the iconic Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan, Nigeria crushed Cameroon’s title hopes with a 2-0 win courtesy of Ademola Lookman’s brace. The win for the Super Eagles was a vast improvement in performance from those of the group stages as the team rose to the occasion considering the history and rivalry against Cameroon. Lookman broke the deadlock nine minutes before the break by firing past goalkeeper Fabrice Ondoa following a good pressure work from Victor Osimhen, who teed up the Atalanta forward. Lookman wrapped up the win in the 90th minute as Nigeria got a deserved win over the disappointing Cameroonian side, who failed to register a shot at goal despite introducing influential striker and captain, Vincent Aboubakar.
Although Victor Osimhen failed to add to his goal tally, his overall performance is extremely laudable and was appreciated by the fans who chanted his name after the match. His dedication and commitment to the team was evident all through the game, a passion former Ghanaian striker and captain, Asamoah Gyan alluded to on social media while the match was on. The African Footballer of the Year was a menace to the Cameroonian defence all through the game while helping out in defence as he ran tirelessly and hassled defenders. His work rate was terrific all match and while he missed out on scoring he played a huge role in virtually all the goals the team has scored thus far. Coach Jose Peseiro will demand more such brilliant performances from his talisman while hoping the goals begin flowing for the Napoli attacker.
While Nigerians can revel in the memorable win over their arch-rivals, they will be sweating over the fitness of goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali. The Chippa United goalkeeper was stretchered off after landing awkwardly following a heavy collision with Cameroonian forward, Georges-Kevin Nkoudou. Nwabali has been a breath of fresh air for Nigerians considering the goalkeeping woes the team has had over the last five years. His command of his area, reflexes, and agility are a stark contrast to those of Francis Uzoho and Maduka Okoye, who have manned the Super Eagles goalpost in recent years. If Nwabali fails to quickly recover for the quarterfinal tie slated for Friday, Nigerians will have to deal with the shaky Uzoho in goal against a high-flying and free-scoring Angolan side at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium.
For Cameroonian fans, the early exit of the 2017 champions is another low moment in their football over the last seven years. Perhaps of greater concern is how disjointed and pedestrian the team was throughout the match, a reflection of their outing at the tournament. Coach Rigobert Song will definitely come under criticism for how he has managed the team and his records with the various national teams he has handled. Song suffered group-stage exits at the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN), the 2019 U-23 AFCON as well as the 2022 FIFA World Cup. His record since taking charge of the Cameroonian senior national team has been awful – 6 wins, 8 draws and 9 losses in 23 matches. Cameroonian Football Federation president, Samuel Eto’O Fils will have a difficult decision to make concerning his role; he can either stick with him and build for the future like Senegal did with their coach, Aliou Cisse or fire him and start from scratch again. Regardless of the choice made, Cameroon are battling with diverse problems that need to be addressed as quickly as possible to get the team back to its lofty heights in continental football..
