South Africa caused a major upset when knocking hosts Egypt out of the Africa Cup of Nations and can now push Nigeria all the way in the quarter-finals. Bafana Bafana are unbeaten in their last five encounters with the Super Eagles, notably taking four points off them in qualifying for this tournament.
Madagascar and Tunisia both qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals via penalty shoot-outs and another long night could be on the cards when they meet. The Eagles of Carthage have the pedigree to be regarded as clear favourites, but they are yet to win a match during this tournament.
Algeria lost to Ivory Coast in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals but are playing well enough to gain revenge at the same stage this year. The Desert Foxes have arguably been the most impressive team in Egypt so far, rattling off four straight wins, with nine goals scored and none conceded.
Ghana were more impressive than Tunisia during the Africa Cup of Nations pool stage and are tipped to shade a tight tussle in the first knockout round. Kwesi Appiah’s side go about their business in a cool, calm and collected manner, which may prove enough to edge out a more volatile outfit.
Mali and Ivory Coast both did well in the Africa Cup of Nations group stage and are also hard to split on head-to-head encounters in recent years. Two of the last three meetings between the Eagles and Les Elephants have ended in stalemate, with the most recent being an October 2017 World Cup qualifier.
USA had to ride their luck at times when edging out England but that game seemed on a different level to the second Women’s World Cup semi-final won by the Netherlands. The holders look visually fitter than the European champions, possess more tactical nous and have some lethal finishers up front.
Algeria were amongst the most impressive teams during the Africa Cup of Nations pool stage and are hard to oppose when taking on Guinea in the last 16. Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez is the headline name in a formidable forward line, while a less-heralded defence has looked solid so far.
DR Congo came good in their final group game at the Africa Cup of Nations and are fancied to kick on by beating surprise package Madagascar. The Leopards, who finished third in 2015 and reached the quarter-finals two years ago, still have a talented team, with plenty of attacking options.
Chile remain on course to complete a historic hat-trick of Copa America triumphs and are fancied to edge out Peru in the semi-finals. La Roja lost 3-0 to Los Incas in an October friendly in Miami but have dominated recent head-to-head meetings between these teams in competitive contests.
Egypt look worthy 3/1 favourites to claim an eighth Africa Cup of Nations title and are tipped to brush aside South Africa at the last-16 stage. The hosts were rock-solid in securing three straight pool wins, whereas Bafana Bafana have already been beaten by both Ivory Coast and Morocco at this tournament.
Nigeria flopped versus Madagascar but are given another chance to show their true worth against holders Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations. The Super Eagles qualified for the World Cup ahead of the Indomitable Lions, beating them 4-1 at home, before performing with credit at Russia 2018.
Benin have lost their last three games against Morocco by an aggregate score of 13-2 but look much improved at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations. The Squirrels were unbeaten during the pool stage, drawing with perennial powerhouses Ghana and Cameroon, so this is not a team to take lightly.
Senegal were our pre-tournament pick for Africa Cup of Nations glory and are expected to prove too strong for a game, but outgunned Uganda side at the last-16 stage. The Lions of Teranga are seeking to lift this trophy for the first time and have Liverpool star Sadio Mane in good form.
Ghana have work to do to reach the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage but should get back on track by beating Guinea-Bissau. The Black Stars have made the semi-finals for six straight renewals of this tournament, but started out this time with a couple of draws to put pressure on themselves.