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Afcon wrap: Ghana, Cameroon and Tunisia all progress

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Cameroon, Ghana, Benin and Mali all booked their spots in the last 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations after the final round of group-stage fixtures concluded on Tuesday evening.

Cameroon 0-0 Benin

Cameroon have finished second in Group F of the Afcon after being held to a goalless draw by Benin.

Clarence Seedorf’s side were in prime position to top the group but could not break down Benin’s defence.

The match started quickly, with Benin’s David Djigla having a shot blocked and Karl Toko Ekambi sending a close-range effort over the bar for Cameroon inside the first five minutes.

After the initial momentum, Cameroon had the majority of chances in the first half but were unable to find the net.

Cameroon started the second half brightly, with Pierre Kunde having two shots inside the first five minutes.

However, despite failing to break the deadlock, both sides managed to progress into the knockout stages.

Tunisia 0-0 Mauritania

Tunisia booked their place in the last 16 after a goalless draw with Mauritania was enough to secure a runners-up spot in Group E behind Mali.

The Carthage Eagles had also drawn their opening two matches, holding Mali to 1-1 on Friday, and so were still not sure of progress to the knockout stage ahead of Tuesday night’s match in Suez.

Mauritania, who drew 0-0 with Angola after being thrashed 4-1 by Mali, had early chances when Ismael Diakhite’s angled shot was pushed away by Mouez Hassen, but then saw captain Abdoul Ba forced off by injury.

Diakhite, who plays for Tunisian side US Tataouine, squandered another opportunity before Mohamed Yaly was denied by a save from the goalkeeper.

The Carthage Eagles finally raised the tempo during the second half but neither side were able to find a breakthrough.

A point, though, was enough for Tunisia to progress, following Angola’s 1-0 defeat by Mali in Ismailia.

Mali 1-0 Angola

Mali secured top spot in Group E after a 1-0 win over Angola, who failed to progress to the knockout stage.

Angola threatened early on when Gelson Dala went through but could not beat goalkeeper Djigui Diarra.

At the other end, Toni Cabaca saved well from first Adama Traore and then Falaye Sacko before Mali striker Kalifa Coulibaly nodded just wide from a corner.

The West African side, though, took the lead in the 37th minute through a long-range effort from RB Leipzig midfielder Amadou Haidara.

Mali progress to a second-round showdown against the Ivory Coast in Suez on July 8, while Angola head home. Tunisia went through as runners-up despite a goalless draw against Mauritania and will next play Ghana.

Tuesday’s results also mean South Africa edge into the last 16 after ranking fourth out of the best third-placed teams, which will see the Bafana Bafana take on hosts Egypt in Cairo on Saturday.

Ghana 2-0 Guinea-Bissau

Ghana sealed their spot in the last-16 at Afcon with a comfortable win over Guinea-Bissau.

Jordan Ayew opened the scoring in the 46th minute before Thomas Partey doubled their lead in the 72nd minutes.
The Black Stars will now face North African giants Tunisia in the last-16.