The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023 quarter-finals are set to serve some exciting fixtures across the three host cities.

The round of 16 provided some exciting games coupled with shocks, and some of the favorites ended up exiting the competition, including defending champions and 2022 World Cup semi-finalist Morocco.

Here are the games to pay attention to in the quarter-finals and how things are expected to turn out.

Nigeria v Angola 

The Super Eagles will face Angola in the opening quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Côte d’Ivoire 2023 on Friday, February, at the famous Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny.

Angola hopes to continue their fairytale against one of the tournament’s favorites, Nigeria.

In this fixture, Nigeria’s persistent defensive unit of William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, and Semi Ajayi will be tested by Angola’s forwards Jacinto Dala, Gilberto, and Mabululu.

The game will be played at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny on Friday, February 2.

D.R Congo v Guinea 

D.R. Congo, who are yet to win a game in the competition, will have Guinea to deal with in the quarter-finals.

Mohamed Bayo has twice been the savior for Guinea in the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Côte d’Ivoire 2023. He scored against Cameroon to help them secure a point and was on target against Equatorial Guinea in round 16.

With the 2009 CHAN success in Cotê d’Ivoire in sight, D.R. Congo will give it their all against an equally motivated Guinean side.

The game will played on Friday, February 2, at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan.

Mali v Cotê d’Ivoire

The host performed a solid performance to eliminate defending champion Senegal on penalties in round 16.

This followed a disappointing end to their group stage campaign, where they lost to Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea and conceded five goals.

Cotê d’Ivoire have failed to score from open play in their last three games and will be hoping to make amends with the return of Sébastien Haller upfront.

Despite a shaky performance in the group stage, Mali put up an improved performance against Burkina Faso in round 16.

The game is on February 3 at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake.

Cape Verde v South Africa

Cape Verde, unbeaten, will play South Africa, who eliminated 2022 World Cup semi-finalist Morocco in the round of 16.

Unlike South Africa, whose results have been inconsistent, the Blue Sharks have had a smooth run throughout the competition.

Hugo Broos will count on Evidence Makgopa, Percy Tau, and Themba Zwane to deliver against Cape Verde.

Though challenging, Cape Verde has seen it all against experienced countries and has had their way through.

The game is on February 3 at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro.