The group stage of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) was nothing less than electrifying. It threw up some scintillating goals, an outpour of emotions and heartbreaks for those in the stands and others watching from their screens across the globe.
Perhaps, one of the most defining features of this year’s tournament is not just the flamboyant display of African football artistry. Neither is it the crowd baying for goals. No. But with less fancied sides stunning to victories against the continent’s football powerhouses, many pundits have tagged the competition one for the underdogs.
From Ghana and Algeria failing to make the next round of games, AFCON 2023 left many on the edge as the biblical David and Goliath battle replayed in cities across Cote d’Ivoire.
Though the group stage is over, this piece retrospects the upsets that shook the continent and rewrote its football script.
Mauritania Knock Out Algeria
Mauritania delivered one of the most historic results in the AFCON when they stunned two-time champions Algeria to record their first-ever win in the competition. Needing a victory to confirm their status in the Round of 16, the Foxes were expected to stroll through the match. Of course, with 75 places above the East Africans, the 2019 champions were favourites, at least on paper.
But Mauritania rode against the storm and struck through Captain Mohamed Dellash Yaly after 37 minutes to send their fans into raptures.
The feat ensured the Lions of Chinguetti reached the knockouts as one of the four best losers, sending Algeria home in the competition’s group stage for the second consecutive time.
Equatorial Guinea Humiliate Ivory Coast
A day before Mauritania’s feat, Equatorial Guinea made a mince meal of one of the tournament’s favourites and home nation Côte d’Ivoire. The Central Africans bashed them 4-0, sending the packed home fans into tears. It was the biggest win of the group stage and one that gave Equatorial Guinea leadership of Group A after three games. They had seven points.
