#AFCON2017: Third round at a glance

Egypt’s Mohamed Salah scores from a free-kick against Ghana during the Africa Cup of Nations Group D match in Port-Gentil, Gabon. Picture: Associated Press

Egypt’s Mohamed Salah scores from a free-kick against Ghana during the Africa Cup of Nations Group D match in Port-Gentil, Gabon. Picture: Associated Press

Published Jan 27, 2017

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The last round of matches in the group stage of the Africa Cup of Nations came with casualties that went

beyond the eight nations that were knocked out. Algeria and Zimbabwe’s coaches - Georges Leekens and Callisto Pasuwa - resigned after they failed to take their teams to the quarter-finals. 

Tournament favourites Algeria, reigning champions Ivory Coast and hosts Gabon also crashed out in the group stage. Njabulo Ngidi picks his highlights from the dramatic third round.

Best Goal

There were a number of contenders for the best goal from this round. There was Yves Bissouma’s bending free-kick, Farouk Miya’s powerful shot, Knowledge Musona showing his deft touch and

Tunisia’s well-worked team goal finished by Youssef Msakni. But Rashid Alioui produced a spectacular strike that eliminated defending Afcon champions Ivory Coast and took Morocco to their first appearance in the last eight since 1998. Alioui brilliantly curled the ball between Simon Deli and Jean Seri.

Best Save

Essam El-Hadary, 44, the oldest player at the Afcon, came up with two good saves that almost saw him take this prize. However, it was Cameroon’s Fabrice Ondoa, 23-years younger than El-Hadary, who produced the save of the third round. Gabon pressed the Indomitable Lions in search of a late goal that would have taken them to the last eight. In the last minute of referee’s optional time, Denis Bouanga hit the post. His effort was deflected to Didier Ibrahim N’Dong, unmarked in the box. Ondoa

denied him with a brilliant save that eliminated Gabon and took Cameroon to the knockout stage.

Best Celebration

Uganda waited 39 years for this appearance in the Afcon. But their stay in Gabon was short-lived after they were eliminated with a game to spare. The Cranes still gave their countrymen back home something to celebrate, courtesy of Farouk Miya’s brilliant goal in the 1-1 draw with Mali. The Ugandans formed an impromptu circle after that goal to show off their dancing skills. Miya was the centre of attention during that short dance-off.

Best Match

Tunisia came into their clash with Zimbabwe knowing that a draw would take them to the last eight while the Warriors needed to win. A six-goal thriller was the result, with Tunisia winning 4-2. The

Tunisians’ rampant attack showed what they are capable of, scoring four goals in the first half. The Warriors were let down by poor defending as their attack - led by Khama Billiat, Knowledge Musona and Nyasha Mushekwi, with a cameo from Tendai Ndoro - troubled the Eagles of Carthage.

Memorable Moment

Emmanuel Adebayor almost had a fairy-tale ending to his last appearance at Afcon, nearly scoring with his last touch. But the Togolese captain's strike was cleared off the line. Adebayor had an emotional send-off thereafter. The 2008 African Footballer of the Year was applauded off the pitch in Port-Gentil while the DRC players formed a guard of honour as the African great bid farewell.

Best Crowd

After hosts Gabon, Cameroon are the most visible team with their colours all over the country. These neighbours' fans packed the Stade de * ’Amitie on Sunday night to create an electrifying atmosphere.

The Star

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