The Africa Cup of Nations has been marked by surprises and strategic battles. African football giants are navigating a complex path towards knockout stage qualification and this has set the stage for thrilling encounters tonight.Hosts Ivory Coast seek redemption against surprise leaders Equatorial Guinea – 8PM EAT Group A closes with the host nation, Ivory Coast, facing the surprising leaders, Equatorial Guinea, while Nigeria clashes with the already eliminated Guinea-Bissau. Ivory Coast’s unexpected defeat to Nigeria has raised questions about their performance, prompting adjustments from coach Jean-Louis Gasset. The return of forwards Sébastien Haller and Simon Adingra adds strength to the Elephants, but a solution is needed to penetrate the defenses of Equatorial Guinea. Equatorial Guinea, with four points, is likely to advance regardless of the outcome, making victory a priority for Les Éléphants. Equatorial Guinea’s coach, Juan Micha, emphasized the lack of pressure on his team, stating that a win would boost their football reputation. The Nzalang, buoyed by Emilio Nsue’s hat-trick, faces a tricky match but aims to capitalize on any vulnerabilities in Ivory Coast’s performance. AFCON2023: Tanzania can’t win an AFCON match! Taifa Stars surrender lead to settle for draw against ZambiaGuinea Bissau vs Nigeria – 8PM EATNigeria, riding high after defeating Ivory Coast, faces Guinea-Bissau with the luxury of already securing a spot in the next round. Coach José Peseiro praised his team’s defensive prowess and strategic counter-attacks. The Super Eagles aim to get striker Victor Osimhen on the scoresheet while maintaining a solid defense led by William Troost-Ekong. AFCON2023: Mama Joy oversees a dominant Bafana Bafana win over NamibiaGuinea-Bissau, despite being eliminated, poses a threat with attacking firepower, especially from winger Mauro Rodrigues and forward Franculino Djú. Coach Baciro Candé laments missed opportunities in previous matches and seeks defensive improvements.Ghana’s “Do or Die” Battle Against Mozambique – 11PM EATIn Group B, Ghana faces Mozambique in a must-win situation for the Black Stars. Coach Chris Hughton emphasizes mental preparation to avoid mistakes against Mozambique, who have pace in their attack. Ghana’s defense remains a concern, but the return of Mohammed Kudus adds attacking prowess.Mozambique, coming off a 3-0 defeat to Cape Verde, faces a tough challenge against Ghana. Coach Chiquinho Conde considers tactical adjustments to overcome Ghana’s strong defensive line. The Mambas aim to capitalize on their pace and attacking fullbacks.Cape Verde vs Egypt – 11PM EATEgypt, missing Mohamed Salah due to injury, faces Cape Verde, the group winners. Coach Rui Vitória demands determination from his team, relying on midfielder Omar Marmoush and creative talents like Emam Ashour and Trezeguet. Cape Verde coach Bubista expresses pride in his team’s achievements and hints at potential lineup changes but promises a fight against Egypt.Monday fixtures2000EAT (16.0) Guinea Bissau (7.00) Nigeria (1.18) 2000 EAT (9.00) Equatorial Guinea (4.40) Ivory Coast (1.40) 2300 EAT (4.50) Mozambique (3.45) Ghana (1.75)2300 EAT (7.25) (4.00) Egypt (1.50) ***odds are subject to change***AFCON 2023- GROUP STAGERound 2ThursdayEquatorial Guinea – Guinea Bissau 4-2 (1-1)/Nsue 21, 51, 61, Miranda 46 – Orosco 37, Ze Turbo 90+3/Ivory Coast – Nigeria 0-1 (0-0)/Troost-Ekong 54 pen/Egypt – Ghana 2-2 (0-1)/Marmoush 69, M. Mohamed 74 – Kudus 45+3, 71/FridayCape Verde – Mozambique 3-0 (1-0)/Bebe 32, Ryan Mendes 51, Kevin Pina 69/Senegal – Cameroon 3-1 (1-0)/I. Sarr 16, H. Diallo 71, Mane 90+5 – Castelletto 83/Guinea – Gambia 1-0 (0-0)/A. Camara 69/Algeria – Burkina Faso 2-2 (0-1)/B. Bounedjah 51,90+5- M. Konate 45+3, B. Traore 71/Mauritania-Angola 2-3 (1-1)/Bouna 43, Koita 58 – Dala 30,50, Gilberto 53/Tunisia – Mali 1-1 (1-1)/Rafia 20 – Sinayoko 10/SundayMorocco – DR Congo 1-1 (1-0)/Hakimi 6 – Silas 76/Zambia – Tanzania 1-1 (0-1)/P. Daka 88 – Msuva 11/S.Africa – Namibia 4-0 (3-0)/Pau (p) 14, Zwane 25, 40, Taseko 75/
