CHAN 2022: explosive quarter-final line-up set

The group games are done; it is now knockout football. Since the tournament kicked off on 23 January, Africa has been on an emotional rollercoaster at CHAN 2022. Twists, disappointments and joy: the African Nations Championship has thrown up some of the most improbable results and unexpected exits. Some sides lived up to their billing by qualifying, while others must pack their bags and head home.

Now it is time to take stock after the 21 matches played at this CHAN, which have produced 8 quarter-finalists. The picture for the second round is clear, and the next opponents know what to expect.

ALGERIA-IVORY COAST

The Fennecs are overwhelming favourites

Group A winners at CHAN 2022, Algeria have shown they know how to manage a game. The Fennecs, playing at home, won all three of their games by the narrowest of margins, 1-0. But that was already enough to reach the second round without conceding a single goal. In the quarter-final, the host nation will face Ivory Coast. The local Elephants finished second in Group B behind Senegal. With 4 points (3 goals scored, 2 conceded), they scraped through. They will have to step up a gear, though, against an Algeria side fired up at home.

NIGER-GHANA

Impossible to call!

Who expected Niger to reach the CHAN 2022 quarter-finals? Perhaps only the Mena players and their supporters. In Group E, which also included Cameroon and Congo-Brazzaville, the bookmakers had probably backed the Indomitable Lions for the one qualifying spot. The Nigeriens defied the predictions, however, to top the group with 4 points (1 win, 1 draw). Drawing Ghana, they can still keep on surprising people. The catch is that the Ghanaians have been brilliant in this competition. They finished behind Madagascar in Group C with 6 points, but have an attack that has already breached opposing defences 7 times. That is the second-best tally in the tournament, behind Madagascar's Barea (8 goals scored).

SENEGAL-MAURITANIA

A fiery derby in prospect

Group B leaders Senegal have lived up to their billing. They were expected to do it, and the Lions of Teranga showed their teeth to claim top spot in their group. With two wins and one defeat at CHAN 2022, the players of coach Pape Thiaw will nonetheless have their work cut out against Mauritania. The Mourabitounes left Angola (2nd, 2 points) and Mali (3rd, 1 point) behind in Group D to move on to the next stage.

MADAGASCAR-MOZAMBIQUE

Beware of the Barea!

It is one of the great positives of this first round, if not the greatest. Madagascar have charmed. In their three outings, the Barea played the polished football that people love to watch. Three games, three wins at CHAN 2022, and the Malagasy have been very efficient in attack with 8 goals scored. That is indeed the best attack in the tournament so far. The defence was not far behind either, having conceded only once. It is only logical to see them sitting top of Group C. In the quarter-final, they will take on Mozambique, who came through as Group A runners-up with 4 points.

Jim CEESAY

Read more on the same subject: CHAN 2022: full results and schedule for the competition