AFCON Round-Up: Talking Points

The matches are coming thick and fast in the AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire as all the teams vie for places in the last 16, matchday 2 produced several excellent showings. Bet Central explores the AFCON as it begins to gather pace.

Bafana Bafana Keep Their Hopes Alive

After a disappointing showing from the South African national side in their opening game against Mali, Hugo Broos’ team was keen to redeem themselves as they faced neighbours Namibia in the 2nd game in their group.

Bafana Bafana did not disappoint this time around as they humbled Namibia 4-0 in a very dominant performance. Themba Zwane, the senior statesman of the team, was outstanding scoring a brace to add to Percy Tau’s penalty. Thapelo Maseko added a 4th goal and put South Africa in 2nd position behind Mali and they are now back in contention for a spot in the knockouts.

Cape Verde Continues To Impress

If people thought Cape Verde’s win over Ghana was some sort of fluke, their 2nd performance in the tournament would have put all of those thoughts to bed as they romped past Mozambique to win 3-0 in one of the most dominant performances in the tournament thus far.

There were 2 goals of the tournament-worthy goals from Bebe and Kevin Pina who both had wonder strikes from outside the box. Ryan Mendes capitalized on a Mozambican defensive error to score a goal between the wonder strikes. The win means Cape Verde are in the knockout stages meaning they will have minimal pressure against Egypt in their final group game.

Cote D’Ivoire On The Brink Of Elimination At Home

Ivory Coast once boasted one of the most brilliant squads in African football history where they had a golden generation led by the great Didier Drogba. That team boasted the likes of Yaya Toure, Gervinho, and Salman Kalou to mention a few.

Those days are long gone and that has been evident in the current AFCON, Ivory Coast no longer have that sharp instinct and while there are some talents in the current team, they pale in comparison to that team. They now sit 3rd in their group after losing to Nigeria and could be on the verge of being eliminated as tournament hosts should they fail to beat Equatorial Guinea.

Egypt Lost Mo Salah To An Injury 

Like Cote D’Ivoire Egypt have not had a vintage tournament when one considers their talent pool. After 2 draws they currently sit 3rd in the pool with a must-win game against Cape Verde.

To compound matters for the Pharaohs they will have to do so without Mo Salah who is out injured with a muscle strain/injury. The loss of the Liverpool sharpshooter weakens Egypt’s goal threat significantly and they may need goals against a free-scoring Cape Verdean side in their 3rd and final game of the group.

Quality Of Officiating Praised

Historically speaking there has been a lot of controversy when it comes to officiating on the African continent whether it be at club level or national level. But the 2024 AFCON has been an exception to the rule.

Throughout the continent and across the world, the officiating in this tournament has been praised by all stakeholders. The use of VAR, which is in use at this tournament for the 1st time, has been excellent with several decisions being made correctly. It is a refreshing change for officiating on the continent.