The group of 16 matches of the African cup of Nations 2019 that was played yesterday 5th of June was not without its drama. This is so especially with the match between the Atlas Lions of Morocco and the Squirrels of Benin. Again many football fans where surprised by the major upset. The elimination of a North African team may not spell well for the northern block. As things stands now, there are two West African countries, Senegal and Benin National teams that have progressed to the next round.
Today's matches is going to be featuring two Interesting encounters with teams that are known to be the leading top dogs in the African continent. They are not strangers to each other by any means, and this fact makes it a must watch.
Nigeria vs Cameroon
The encounter between Nigeria and Cameroon are too numerous to mention and on each occasion, these teams have continued to surprise football fans and analysts. This very encounter can only be described as a revenge mission for the Super Eagles of Nigeria. In the year 2000, Cameroon eliminated the Nigerian team in the group of 16, beating Nigeria on home soil. It was a rude shock not only for the Super Eagles but also for the entire country and football fans.
The two nations are among the most titled football teams in the African continent with The Indomitable Lions having five CANs in their trophy cabinet. While The Super Eagles have three to its name. The two teams did not do very well in the first round of the tournament; Cameroon won only one match and drew two, while Nigeria won an unconvincing two matches and lost one.
In reality, it will be difficult to choose a clear favorite, but the encounter will be a though one no doubt.
Egypt vs South Africa
Egypt who is the host and the organizing country of the CAN 2019 has two advantages en route for the title: it has in its ranks a Liverpool best player and the African Golden Ball holder in the person of Mohamed Salah, they also enjoy the support of his boiling fans who travel in thousands to the stadium in other to support the Pharaohs.
Egypt finished quite strong in the group stage with three convincing wins against fellow group teams Uganda, DR Congo and Zimbabwe. One can say that the Egyptians dream of one thing and one thing alone: to add one more to the seventh CAN championship already in its trophy chest.
Combating the team with the highest wins of CAN for the Bafana Bafana can be termed “mission Impossible”, the Bafana's have unconvincingly won only one match to its name during the group stages. Winning against Namibia was the saving grace that catapulted them to the group of sixteen, to the jubilation and excitement of its fans and country at large.
My thoughts.
It is difficult to predict who will emerge the winner of the match between Nigeria and Cameroon, considering their history of upsetting each other when no one expects. But going by the match between Nigerian and Madagascar, I think the Indomitable Lions may have an edge over the Super Eagles due to their highly physical style of football which is lacking in the Nigerian team.
As expected, The Pharaohs will come out of the encounter with the Bafana Bafana’s the victors. The home advantage, the home fans and the presence of a world class player is enough to dampen the spirits of an opposing team. But caution cannot be thrown to the winds, if the Squirrels can conquer the Lions, then one can only be open to all forms of possibilities.
@askarju
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