The group stage of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2024 has been nothing short of spectacular, delivering thrilling moments, surprising results, and heartbreaking exits.
As the tournament reaches its business end, let’s take a closer look at the teams that have shone, and the major disappointments that have unfolded on the African football stage.
Qualifiers and Standouts
The group stage has witnessed some impressive performances, with teams determined to secure a spot in the knockout stages.
Cape Verde, Senegal, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, Egypt, Cameroon, Guinea, Angola, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Mali, and Morocco have all successfully booked their place in the last 16.
Top Disappointment in the Group Stage
One of the most significant disappointments in the group stage has been the underwhelming performance of Ghana. Despite having a talented squad and high expectations, the Black Stars refused to shine.
Ghana and Algeria: Heavyweights Tumble
The inability to secure a win in any of their three group games led to their early exit from the tournament.
One of the team’s bad displays was a two-goal lead squandered against Mozambique, highlighting the dysfunction within the squad.
Two traditional powerhouses of African football, Ghana and Algeria, have suffered unexpected early exits from AFCON 2024. Despite boasting star-studded line-ups, both teams failed to navigate the group stage successfully.
Algeria’s Golden Generation on the other hand, led by Riyad Mahrez, faced humiliation with a defeat by Mauritania, marking the end of an era for a team that triumphed in the 2019 AFCON.
Drama in Ivory Coast: Hanging by a Thread
Hosts Ivory Coast have found themselves in a precarious position, their fate hanging by a thread after a shocking 4-0 defeat at the hands of Equatorial Guinea.
While they still have a chance to qualify as one of the best third-placed finishers, their journey has been far from smooth.
The Ivorians will be anxiously awaiting the outcome of other group stage matches to determine their fate in the tournament.
Players Bad Performances
While the tournament had its fair share of standout moments, some pre-tournament favorites failed to live up to expectations.
Star players like Franck Kessie and Victor Osimhen have faced challenges, contributing to the overall underwhelming performances of their respective teams.
Looking Ahead: Knockout Stage Anticipation
As the group stage concludes, the focus shifts to the knockout stages, where the intensity is expected to reach new heights.
The top 16 teams, including the four best third-placed finishers, will battle it out for continental glory.
Football fans across the continent eagerly await the drama and excitement that the knockout stages of AFCON 2024 are sure to deliver.
