Aili Iilonga
THE 2019 African Cup of Nations tournament is gearing up for more jam-packed action and exciting matches that will keep fans on the edge of their seats as the round of 16 matches with Morocco against Mali getting things started.
One of the competition’s favorites in winning the trophy, the Atlas Lions of Morocco are one of three north African countries that qualified with a perfect record from their group games with the other two being Algeria and host nation, Egypt.
Benin on the other hand, made the knockout stage as one of four spots given to the best-placed third teams at the end of the group stage.
Later in the evening, Sadio Mane’s Senegal will square off against Uganda for a spot in the quarterfinals.
The Teranga Lions of Senegal will come up against East Africa’s only remaining representatives, the Cranes of Uganda, who also were also placed second in their group after beating the Democratic Republic of the Congo, drawing with Zimbabwe and losing to hosts Egypt.
On Saturday Egypt will take on South Africa and Nigeria is set to tackle Cameroon. On Sunday debutants Madagascar will take on the DRC while Algeria and Guinea will square off for a place in the quarterfinals.
