In Numbers: As AFCON Round of 16 teams lock horns

 

Tolulope Olatunji

The 35th edition of Africa's biggest football event, Africa Cup of Nation. (AFCON) which is hosted by Cameroon had a staggering start, but in the latter moment becomes more interesting to see, as there were surprises and more upsets that unfolded as its 2021 edition progresses to the knockout stages.

Unfortunately, Algeria and Ghana, who are heavyweights in the tourney's history had to step aside, as the teams that football-loving fans tagged minions quickly fast became the underdogs, for example, Comoros-who are AFCON debutants, Cape Verde, Equatorial Guinea of Malabo, The Gambia among others who have already sealed their Round of 16 berths.

Fortunately, The Super Eagles of Nigeria pulled a sterling (100%) performance in carting away nine solid points- the third time since 1992 (2006,2021), ahead of the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon and Ivory Coast who have also done well in this tournament . The Super Eagles before now came to the tournament with a lot of issues at which tactical discrepancies were their major problems in the absence of their henchmen, Victor Osimhen,  Leon Balogun, Oghenekaro Etebo among others.

In the group stage matches of the AFCON 2021, a whopping number of SIXTY-EIGHT goals was recorded in 36 games(1.89 per game). It equals several goals scored (68) 1.89 per game at AFCON 2019 in Egypt.

The highest number of goals scored at the group stage of AFCON is SEVENTY-TWO (1.6 per game) in 1998, while the lowest number of goals scored is 17 goals (1.4per game) in 1988

In numbers, some teams are expected to pull some normal performance, but due to the surprises in this tournament, history can be made, records can be set.

Burkina Faso vs Gabon

In nineteen meetings between both national sides, Gabon has an edge over Burkina Faso ( 8W, 4L, 7D). Both teams have met TWICE at AFCON (2015,2017) at the group stage. The Stallions' best AFCON performance was in 2013 when they were finalists while the Panthers have not advanced past the final EIGHT of Africa's biggest showpiece. Burkina Faso had appeared 19 times at AFCON, while their Gabonese counterparts only had 8 outings.

Nigeria vs Tunisia 

In five AFCON outings that the Super Eagles and the Carthage Eagles have met (1978,2000,2004,2006 and 2019), Nigeria had four wins against North Africa at which two of these meetings were at the third-place stage. First met in 1961, they have altogether played 20 times (6W,8D,6L)

Guinea vs the Gambia

Having known that both teams are West-Africans, both have NEVER met at AFCON, but they have  met 23 times since 1972, but the Guinean side had an edge over the Gambians ( 7W,12D,4L)

Cameroon vs Comoros

The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon have never met Comoros, who are AFCON debutants. The five-time African champions are looking to put their sixth in the bag!

Senegal vs Cape Verde

Both have not seen gold in their AFCON outings, but they have reached a crucial stage in the history of the tourney. Senegal, in their sixteen AFCON outings, their best result was the runners-up in 2002 and 2019, but the Cape Verdeans only reached the final eight at South Africa 2013. Both national sides have not met at AFCON, but they met 18 different times, with the Teranga Lions winning 14 matches, with 2 losses and 2 draws since 1979.

Morocco vs Malawi

AFCON 1972 winners, Morocco are in their quest to grab their second prize, but they will first be tested by Malawians before they advance. The Flames have not advanced the round of 16- probably they might pull an upset against the North Africans, perhaps this is their first  AFCON meeting. In 10 meetings, Morocco had 6 wins, 3 draws and a loss.

Ivory Coast vs Egypt

Seven times African champions, Egypt seemingly have an edge over their Ivorians, because in eleven outings at AFCON, the two times African champions have suffered eight defeats against the North-African heavyweights. In 2006, both national sides met at the grand finale of AFCON. Altogether, Ivory Coast and Egypt met 21 times, but the Pharaohs had 11 wins with 7 draws and 3 losses against the Ivorians.

Mali vs Equatorial Guinea 

Mali- AFCON 1972 finalists are looking to take out their Equatoguinean counterparts as they will be meeting for the first time in Africa's biggest football event. The National Thunder have not moved beyond the final eight of the competition, since their AFCON debut in 2012. The Malians, who are regulars in the tourney, have never lost a single match in their three meetings with Equatorial Guinea since 2009.

How will these teams slide to the final eight? My next piece will tell.

Photo Credit: CAF