With the group stages completed last Wednesday and two resting days granted to the remaining countries, thre quarter finals of the Africa Cup of Nations roll off on Saturday with two matches.
On Saturday, Burkina Faso will take on Tunisia at Stade De L’Amitie in Libreville while Senegal will entertain Cameroon at Franceville stadium.
Sunday has another two sets of matches. DR Congo takes on Ghana at Stade D’Oyem as Egypt will play Morocco at Stade De Port Gentil.
Burkina Faso Vs Tunisia (Saturday, January 28; 18:00) – Libreville
Group A winners Burkina Faso face Tunisia who finished second in Group B in Libreville.
Both teams have already played in Libreville with Burkina Faso playing their twice and Tunisia just once against Zimbabwe in the final group game.
With the early rains across Libreville, the two teams will find the venue in the best shape.
Burkina Faso drew two games in the Group Stage before beating Guinea-Bissau 2-0 to go top of Group B.
Tunisia qualified at the expense of pre-tournament favourites Algeria and Zimbabwe.
They lost their opening game but won the next two.
Senegal vs Cameroon (Saturday, January 28; 21:00) – Franceville
Group B winners, Senegal face Cameroon who finished runners up in Group A on in Franceville.
Senegal have been the best team in the AFCON 2017 winning their first two games before their draw with Algeria using a second string team. With six goals scored so far, the Aliou Cisse led team has shown that they don’t have a problem with scoring.
Cameroon impressed in the group stage despite having a number of their first team players withdrawing before the tournament.
They were unlucky not to win their opening game against Burkina Faso but beat Guinea-Bissau before their draw against Host Gabon.
DR Congo vs Ghana (Sunday, January 29; 18:00) – Oyem
Group C winners, DR Congo will face Groud D runners up, Ghana at Stade D’ Oyem.
The main concern will be on the field of play since the surface was flooded the last time it hosted Uganda vs. Mali clash on Wednesday.
DR Congo were the surprise team of the group stage finishing winners of a group that had Morocco, Ivory Coast and Togo.
They beat Morocco and Togo in the Group Stage and drew Ivory Coast in between. Their attack has been good with a solid defence between them.
With Asamoah Gyan an injury concern, Ghana are left without one of their key players for the clash. Finalist in the last AFCON, the Black Stars have looked solid too.
They, however, have a problem with scoring as they won their first two games courtesy of 1-0 wins.
Egypt vs Morocco (Sunday, January 29; 21:00) – Port Gentil
Group D winners Egypt take on North African rivals Morocco who finished in second place from Group C in Port Gentil.
Although Egypt finished top of Group D, they have not been convincing as expected.
Their defence has, however, remained unbeaten with no goal conceded in their three games so far.
Legendary goalkeeper Essam El Hadary is up and running with excellent command and pin point saves as always.
They also look like a team that will get into gear as the tournament goes on.
Morocco who has the AFCON defending coach Herve Renard has won their last two games.