The African Cup of Nations kicked off in Gabon this weekend, so we went to Football Manager to predict the winner of the African tournament.
First of all here are the groups-:
Group A: Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Senegal
Group B: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Nigeria
Group C: Angola, DR Congo, Egypt, Gabon
Group D: Congo, Ghana, Morocco, Tunisia.
Who qualifies?
Senegal qualify with a near perfect record, only conceding one goal in the process. The main story is the Ivory Coast go through on goal difference after a tough contest with South Africa.
Cape Verde fail to register a single goal or point and fall out of the AFCON.
Group B was the so called ‘group of death’ with African giants Algeria, Nigeria and Cameroon all drawn in the same group. Algeria come out on top and Nigeria go through by a single point which leaves Cameroon and rock bottom Burkina Faso out.
No surprises in Group C as Egypt progress to the knockout round with Angola – hosts Gabon crash out of the AFCON with DR Congo.
Again – another potentially tricky group with three good teams in the same group. It is Morocco and Ghana who go to the knockout stage. Morocco go through in first place due to the luck of the hat – how about that!
Quater Finals
The quarter finals are-:
Senegal vs. Nigeria
Ivory Coast vs. Algeria
Egypt vs. Ghana
Morroco vs. Angola
Senegal edge through to the semi-finals as Diafra Sakho breaks Nigerian hearts in the 89th minute. They will play either Morocco or Angola in the semi-finals.
Algeria cruise through to the semi-finals with an 3-0 win over the Ivory Coast. The north African team will face Egypt or Angola in the next round.
Fantastic entertainment in Oyem sees Egypt through thanks to former Chelsea winger Mo Salah, who puts Egypt through to the semi-finals. Heartache for Ghana, as they are sent packing home.
The first penalty shoot-out of the AFCON is here, and it’s Morocco who win it! Angola fought bravely here but Morocco were just too much for them.
Semi finals
Senegal vs. Morocco
Algeria vs. Egypt
This is a really tight affair – but it’s Watford man Nordin Amrobat who puts Morocco through to the AFCON final. Senegal don’t pack their bags yet – as there is a third place play-off to play in!
Algeria are left stunned as Egypt profit from the wasteful Algerians. Again, Mo Salah is the star of the show and looks like the star of the tournament. It’s Morocco vs. Egypt in the AFCON final!
Third place play-off
Many thought this might be the final – not the third place play-off! It’s Senegal though who go home with bronze, despite going down to ten men. Algeria never really turned up for this match!
FINAL!
Ajax’s attacking midfielder Hakim Ziyech decides this AFCON as he inspires Morocco to victory. It’s an 89th minute winner as well – how about that. Mo Salah and Egypt come short in the final – it should not distract the fantastic tournament they’ve had!
Best players
Mo Salah ends up top scorer of the AFCON with six goals, Balde Keita comes a close second.
Villareal’s Alfred N’diaye gets the most assists in the tournament, joint with Hakim Ziyech.
That’s the end of this Football Manager experiment, thanks for reading!
