AFCON 2021: As It Stands

The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) football tournament is still underway in Cameroon. So far, a lot of interesting events have occured while the competition continues to be heated up.

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If you have not been watching or following the games, you should try and watch the remaining few games. The competition will be wrapped up on February 6 2022 when the finals will be staged and the winners crowned champions.

Out of the 24 countries that started the competition, 14 teams are left while 10 teams have been eliminated including Nigeria. Nigeria who won all her group stages games sadly lost to Tunisia on Sunday night with a 1:0 score line in the knockout game. It was a night full with dramas and lots of emotions.

While some have resorted to blames and looking for other reasons for the loss, I'd say that shit happens every time. That's football or sports for you, someone has to lose while the other wins. Sometimes, it goes in your favour while sometimes it's the other way round. The Super Eagles we're good but I guess it wasn't their night. To think that, Alex Iwobo got a red card and the team had to play 10 against 11 is something more painful.

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I really wanted the Super Eagles to win but it's quite unfortunate that things didn't end well for us in 2021 AFCON competition. However, the entire squad should endeavour to learn from the experience and pick up themselves because there are many competitions ahead. Equally, I hope fans will make it easier for the teams instead of adding more salts to the injury. Yes, some mistakes were made but then again, the goal keeper shouldn't be crucified. Even the world's best goalkeepers commit blunders every once in a while.

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However, the competition continues as two matches in the knockout stage will be played tonight. It will be featuring Guinea vs Gambia and Cameroon vs Comoros by 4pm and 7pm GMT respectively. Other round-of-16 fixtures are given as follows;

Tuesday January 25
Senegal vs Cape Verde, 4pm (Kouekong Stadium, Bafoussam)
Morocco vs Malawi, 7pm (Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo, Yaounde)

Wednesday January 26
Ivory Coast vs Egypt, 4pm (Japoma Stadium, Douala)
Mali vs Equatorial Guinea, 7pm (Limbe Stadium, Limbe)

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The outcome of these games will determine which teams will proceed to the quarter-finals and those that we'll say goodbye to. I hope I don't say goodbye to my other favourites (Salah, Keita and Mane) after Nigeria.

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Who Do You Think Will Win the Trophy?

In the last outing, Algeria defeated Senegal to lift the trophy. Sadly, the defending champions were long eliminated from this year's showdown. We still have the likes of Egypt, Senegal, Guinea, Gambia Cameroon and Tunisia in the tournament. Who among these would you place a bet on?

I know predicting a winner at this point is hard because there are still lots of rounds before the final. That not withstanding, I think Senegal will win the trophy this time around. They've been a strong side in this competition so far and I'd be glad to place my bet on them.