Favorites for the Africa Cup of Nations title, the hosts are in serious risk of elimination in a group stage in which 16 of the 24 competitors advance
The last round of the Africa Cup of Nations group stage turned into a drama for Ivory Coast. After all, the team, which is a continental power, could end up, this Wednesday (24/1), eliminated from the competition it hosts. To add to the embarrassment: of the 24 teams, 16 advance to the stage: the top two in each of the six groups, and the four best third-placed teams. Ivory Coast finished third in Group A. And they might be among the two worst third-placed teams. If this happens, we will say goodbye to this tournament in which many considered the title a given for the Ivorians.
Fingers crossed, Ivory Coast!
Ivory Coast ended its participation in the group stage with three points and a score of -3. Behind Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria, both on seven points (the Ivorians lost 1-0 against the strong Nigerians and were beaten 4-0 by the dwarf Equatorial Guinea).
The situation is therefore this: two teams are already guaranteed in the round of 16 who concluded their participation by finishing third: Guinea (4 points in group C) and Mauritania (3 points and -1 balance in group D). One is already out: Ghana (two points in group B).
There are therefore two places left for three third-place teams. Ivory Coast and the selections of the groups that will play the last round on Wednesday: E and F. The Ivorians therefore hope to finish ahead of one of them.
Group E has the following situation: Mali 4 points, South Africa 3, Namibia 3 and Tunisia 1. The matches are: Namibia x Mali and South Africa x Tunisia. Ivory Coast must hope that Namibia loses and that Tunisia does not beat the South Africans. Given that the draw for Mali and Namibia both ranks, hoping to stay ahead of the third in this group is the most complicated thing.
Group F remains. Morocco has 4 points, Congo and Zambia 2 and Tanzania 1. The matches are Zambia x Morocco and Congo x Tanzania. Here. the third-placed team would only be ahead of Ivory Coast if there were draws in these matches.
Tough for Ivory Coast, a continental giant, twice African champion and who could face a historic embarrassment at home.
Follow Jogada10 on social media: Twitter, Instagram AND Facebook.
Source: Terra

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.