Ed Dove predicts the outcome of all eight Afcon Round of 16 bouts
BackpagePixUganda vs. Senegal
This one is tougher to predict than it may appear on paper, with one of the more disappointed big guns pitted against one of the more impressive ‘lesser lights’ of the competition.
Uganda started well against the Democratic Republic of Congo, and were unfortunate not to have taken the lead against Egypt in their final group game, and they still lack a certain cutting edge up front.
If they can refine that attacking unit, then they can cause problems, particularly for a Senegal team without injured goalkeeper Eduard Mendy and with Salif Sane doubtful.
I’m tempted to go for Uganda to progress here—the Teranga Lions have looked disjointed going forward—but the West Africans just have too much quality in the final third for me to write them off.
Prediction: Senegal
AdvertisementGettyimagesMorocco vs. Benin
Like the first match, this one might be a little tougher for the heavyweights than it appears on paper.
Morocco have found it hard to break down organised Namibia and South Africa teams, while Benin proved against Ghana and Cameroon that they’re capable of holding the continental giants to stalemates.
Michael Dussuyer has a point to prove against Herve Renard after his Ivorian side were dumped out by the Frenchman at the last Nations Cup, but I can’t see him getting revenge here.
As long as the Atlas Lions keep the tempo up, they’ll find a way through.
Prediction: Morocco
Getty ImagesNigeria vs. Cameroon
I’m thoroughly underwhelmed by Clarence Seedorf’s Cameroon so far this tournament; they lack an identity going forward and haven’t been particularly convincing at the back.
Indeed, they were fortunate not to fall behind against Ghana, and are clearly lacking a cutting edge.
Nigeria haven’t been much more impressive—infamously falling to a shock defeat by Madagascar—but I expect a response from Gernot Rohr’s side here against the champions.
Prediction: Nigeria
Getty ImagesEgypt vs. South Africa
There are positives for South Africa to take from the group stage, even if their play hasn’t won too many admirers back home.
They were only defeated by Morocco in the 90th minute, and that rugged defensive display will give them confidence against the Pharaohs.
However, a combination of home support, a defence that’s yet to be breached, Mahmoud Trezeguet and, of course, Mohamed Salah, should prove too much for Bafana Bafana.
Prediction: Egypt