AFCON
2023 AFCON summary for January 21
Three 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) group stage matches were played on Sunday, January 21. Here is summary of all three games.
Morocco Draws with DR Congo
In their second group stage match of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Cote d’Ivoire, Morocco’s Atlas Lions drew 1-1 with the former African champion DR Congo.
- In the 6th minute, defender Achraf Hakimi scored the first goal for Morocco from a corner kick, aiming to secure potential qualification for the knockout stage.
- DR Congo had an opportunity to equalize through a penalty kick, but the Congolese player missed the chance as the ball hit the right post.
- The Congolese squad continued to exert pressure on the Atlas Lions, and forward Silas scored an equalizer in the 76th minute.
- With 4 points, Morocco is leading the group standings, followed by DR Congo, Zambia, and Tanzania.
- Morocco’s last group stage game will be against Zambia on January 24, with hopes of securing a place in the knockout stage.
Morocco aims to build on its impressive start in AFCON 2023 and continue its quest for a title after 48 years without winning a trophy.
Intense Draw Between Zambia and Tanzania
In a highly intense match during the second week of Group F in AFCON 2023, Zambia and Tanzania played to a 1-1 draw.
- Tanzania, under interim coaching after suspending coach Adel Amrouche, surprised with an 11th-minute goal from Simon Msuva.
- Despite being a man down after Roderick Kabwe’s expulsion in the 44th minute, Zambia managed to level the match with a goal from Patson Daka in the 88th minute.
- Zambia is now tied on points with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (two points), while Tanzania sits at the bottom of the group with one point.
- Morocco leads the group with four points, setting the stage for an open competition in the final group match.
South Africa Thrashes Namibia
South Africa secured their first points in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with a dominant performance against Namibia.
- Percy Tau opened the scoring with an early penalty, redeeming himself after missing a spot-kick in the previous match against Mali.
- Themba Zwane scored twice in the first half, displaying clinical finishing and contributing to a dazzling attacking display.
- Substitute Thapelo Maseko added a fourth goal, taking advantage of a goalkeeping error.
- South Africa’s win puts both teams in contention for a spot in the last 16, with deciding matches against Tunisia and Mali on Wednesday.
- The victory marked South Africa’s largest win in the history of the AFCON finals.
