Nations Cup: Q/Finalists Emerge

By Hakeem Babalola

Eight teams have qualified for the next round of the 27th African Cup of Nations which began in Sudan in 1957. The 2010 games have produced surprises, intrigues and what have you. The qualifying teams are: Angola, Algeria, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Egypt, Nigeria, Zambia and Cameroon.


In the opening match between the host nation and Mali, the tournament recorded the most amazing come back. Angola had led 4-0 until eleven minutes to the end of the game when Mali fought back and drew 4-4.  

Gabon has caused upset in the tournament so far by defeating African Football king, Cameroon by one goal in group D, which turns out to be the most interesting and difficult group as 3 teams have the same point.

In group A, Mali and Algeria have 4 points each. Although the Malians have more goals, Algerians move on because they beat Mali on head to head count. The latter has since protested.

Egypt, the defending champions and the most successful having won the cup 6 times, maintains a perfect record by winning all three matches. 

There are only three teams in group B as a result of Togo's withdrawal after the tragedy that befell the team on their way to Angola - the Nations Cup Arena -  when their players were ambushed at Capinda by the rebels in that region.

Angola will meet Ghana while Ivory Coast meet Algeria; Egypt meet Cameroon and Zambia meet Nigeria.  

Quarter Finals to be played on Sunday and Monday respectively at 17.00 cet (Central European Time). Don't miss the actions on Eurosport 1 and 2 

 Group Tables

Pos.	Team	Pl	W	D	L	Diff	Pts
Group A
1	Angola	3	1	2	0	2	5
2	Algeria	3	1	1	1	-2	4
3	Mali	3	1	1	1	1	4
4	Malawi	3	1	0	2	-1	3
Group B
1	Ivory Coast	2	1	1	0	2	4
2	Ghana	2	1	0	1	-1	3
3	Burkina Faso	2	0	1	1	-1	1
4	Togo	0	0	0	0	0	0
Group C
1	Egypt	3	3	0	0	6	9
2	Nigeria	3	2	0	1	2	6
3	Benin	3	0	1	2	-3	1
4	Mozambique	3	0	1	2	-5	1
Group D
1	Zambia	3	1	1	1	0	4
2	Cameroon	3	1	1	1	0	4
3	Gabon	3	1	1	1	0	4
4	Tunisia	3	0	3	0	0	3