Tipped to be among the tournament favourites for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, Senegal and Morocco will be keen to avoid any upsets as has been suffered by the likes of Nigeria, Ghana and Algeria when they take on the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde and the Flames of Malawi in their respective round of 16 clashes being played on Tuesday evening. Ahead of the two games, here is a preview of what to expect.Senegal vs Cape VerdeThe Lions of Teranga will need to start matching their hype if their dreams of clinching their very first African title are to come true.Despite topping Group B on five points, the team led by superstars such as Sadio Mane, Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly and Idrissa Gueye have failed to produce any convincing performance in the group stage where they only scored one goal in three games, collecting one win and drawing two.1.70 Senegal 3.50 Cape Verde 6.50However, the Aliou Cisse-coached side managed just do to enough to advance to the next round. But to get to the quarter-finals, the 2019 losing finalists need to do extra if they are to avoid the humiliation of an exit at the hands of minnows.”We no longer have small teams in Africa and that is why we will go the Derby against Cape Verde very motivated. We accomplished our first mission of going past the group stage, and now we want to reach the ultimate. We are focusing on teamwork as it is going to be a very different match. We want to make our nation happy by winning convincingly to move to the next stage. We intend to give our best in all circumstances while respecting our opponents,” captain Koulibaly remarked.Prochain match le 25 Janvier à 16hr #TeamSenegal #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 pic.twitter.com/qxDWOM8XmZ— Football (@FootballSenegal) January 19, 2022 Cape Verde enter the game with no pressure, as all the expectations are on their opponents’ shoulders.Having collected four points and qualified as one of the best third-placed finishers, head coach Pedro Brito called on his side to follow in the stead of other giant slayers who have shown that nothing is impossible in the tournament.”We have worked hard in our training and facing a team like Senegal is an added motivation, because the match is like a derby. They have to respect us as a team the same way we respect them. The competition has seen a lot of surprises, and we hope to be the other team that will cause an upset as our mission is to win the game and move to the next round,” he said.Garry Rodrigues’ beauty for Cape Verde against hosts Cameroun. 👏🏾pic.twitter.com/JWofKFRIpr— Yimzy (@YimzyAgain) January 20, 2022 However, in order to do that, Cape Verde has to find a way past Senegal who are the only side yet to concede in the competition.The match kicks off at 1900EAT at the Kouekong Stadium, Bafoussam.Morocco vs MalawiSame to Senegal, the Atlas Lions will be focused on navigating safe passage to the quarter-finals when they confront a daring Malawi at the Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaounde.Having won two games against Ghana and Comoros before showing character in drawing against Gabon in the group stages, Morocco will be keen on maintaining that form as they chase their second title, almost 46 years after winning their sole title in 1976.”The players are aware that they must have a combative attitude. The competition has shown here that there are no favorites and everyone can move forward. We will enter this game with maximum concentration. Fortunately, our players are ready to give their contribution. We came here to win, and our hope is to qualify,” Vadid Halilhodzic, the Morocco head coach stated.Monday shift! Ready to face Malawi tomorrow! 💪🏻#DimaMaghrib 🇲🇦 #AtlasLions #TeamMorocco #AFCON2021 pic.twitter.com/3VBjMiCKdB— Équipe du Maroc (@EnMaroc) January 24, 2022 In their third AFCON appearance, Malawi had already written history for themselves, going beyond the group stage for the very first time. Now they are eyeing one more step forward.1.35 Morocco 5.10 Malawi 11.0After falling 1-0 to Guinea, the Flames responded in style, beating COSAFA neighbours Zimbabwe 2-1 before holding giants Senegal to a goalless draw that ensured their place in the Round of 16 as one of the best four third-place teams.Heading into the game, captain John Banda promised that the team will leave everything on the pitch when they clash for the quarter-finals spot.”The team is physically and emotionally well. Morocco game is the biggest game of our lives, and we are looking forward to it. We respect Morocco, but we don’t fear them. We played this opponent twice three years ago and I was present in all games. It is true that they are favourites, but we are here to play our game and pursue our goals,” John Banda charged.Live @Arryadia TNT #TeamMorocco vs. #TeamMalawi @ 20:00 🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/H2YKvzV62c— Arryadia TV (@arryadiatv) January 24, 2022
