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AFCON 2023: Morocco, DR Congo battle to join Cape Verde, Senegal in second round

The past one week has given the football world a deep insight into the emerging forces in African football with such hitherto unheralded countries like Equatorial Guinea and Cape Verde rubbing shoulders with and even confounding some of the giants of the continent’s game.

Cape Verde have already booked their position in the knockout stage of the championship, while Equatorial Guinea’s passage is all but assured in a competition where Ghana and Cameroun are at the risk of early exit.

Today, Africa’s best performers in the history of the FIFA World Cup, Morocco, will seek to join the second rounders when they confront the unpredictable Leopards of DR Congo. Both teams are eyeing the knockout stages, so expect a fierce battle for possession and a fight for dominance. Morocco beat Tanzania 3-0 in their opening match, while DR Congo drew 1-1 with Zambia.

Meanwhile, Zambia, hungry for pride, will square off against Tanzania, aiming to avoid defeat. This match promises attacking flair and a chance for both teams to showcase their skills on the continental stage.

The last game of the weekend will see South Africa’s Bafana Bafana take on their neighbours, the spirited Brave Warriors of Namibia.

South Africa lost their first game by 2-0 to Mali, while the plucky Namibians defeated former champions, Tunisia in one of the biggest shocks at the championship. A win or a draw will see the Namibians into the second round, while South Africa must avoid defeat to retain hopes of a second round berth.

The matches of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) are airing on StarTimes’ Sports Premium, Sports Life and Beta Sports channels.

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