This archive report was first published on 5 July 2019.
On the cusp of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations' knockout phase, the stage is set for a thrilling round of 16. Kenya's narrow miss in the group phase has been replaced by a plethora of enticing duels, with several African heavyweights set to clash in the coming days.
Going into the last day of group matches on Tuesday night, Harambee Stars needed Cameroon to beat Benin in a Group 'E' encounter and Mali to defeat Angola in a Group 'F' fixture. While Mali edged Angola by a solitary goal, Benin held the Indomitable Lions to a barren draw, advancing to the round of 16 in the process.
Football Kenya Federation president Nick Mwendwa, in Cairo, emphasized that developing the national team is a 'process', with the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations and 2022 Fifa World Cup on the horizon. However, the round of 16 match-ups will get underway on Friday, with several mouth-watering encounters on the cards.
The pick of the lot is the clash between familiar foes and African giants Nigeria and defending champions Cameroon on Saturday in Alexandria. Both teams have been on the wane, but the Super Eagles and the Indomitable Lions are sure to put on a show.
Other classic encounters include the four-time champions Ghana facing Tunisia, and in-form Mali taking on star-studded Cote d'Ivoire on Monday. The stage is also set for a potential semi-final collision course between Algeria and Egypt, sworn football enemies.
Uganda, the 1978 finalists and Cecafa's sole remaining nation in the competition, face a team all Egyptians have been dreading to meet - Senegal and Sadio Mane on Friday in Cairo. Madagascar, the surprise team of the tournament, will also be in action against the DR Congo on Sunday in Alexandria.
