By Kunle Solaja.

This Tuesday evening in Fès, the Africa Cup of Nations will once again pit history against destiny.

Nigeria, three-time champions and already assured of a place in the Round of 16, face Uganda in a clash that means everything to the Cranes.

For Uche Ikpeazu, the forward of Nigerian descent who has become Uganda’s unlikely talisman, the match is more than just another fixture—it is a personal mission.

Ikpeazu, who rescued Uganda with a crucial equalizer against Tanzania, knows the weight of expectation. “I came here to fight for Uganda, to give everything I have,” he said after Sunday’s draw.

“We still have a chance, and we must believe.” His words carry the urgency of a team stuck on one point, needing victory to extend their stay in Morocco.

Uganda’s path has been littered with missed opportunities. Veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango and his teammates rued Allan Okelo’s missed penalty against Tanzania, a moment that could have changed their fortunes. Now, the Cranes must summon courage against a Nigerian side brimming with confidence and intent on maintaining their winning rhythm.

Nigeria’s arsenal is formidable. Victor Osimhen, fresh off his 27th birthday, has 32 goals in 48 appearances and is eager to mark the occasion with another strike.

Alongside him, Ademola Lookman has been electric, scoring twice and assisting twice in this tournament, his left-footed missiles reminding Africa why he is among its finest. Behind them, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Frank Onyeka have orchestrated a midfield that looks unbreakable.

Yet Uganda can draw strength from history. In eight previous encounters, the Cranes have beaten Nigeria four times, including the unforgettable 1978 semi-final when Philip Omondi’s winner stunned the Super Eagles.

Omondi later became the tournament’s top scorer.

Uganda have only twice progressed beyond the group stage—1978 and 2019—but the belief remains that they can upset giants when least expected.

Coach Paul Put is expected to start Ikpeazu, hoping his physical presence and determination can unsettle Nigeria’s defence. Alongside him, James Bogere, Denis Omedi, and Okello will be tasked with finding the goals that could rewrite Uganda’s AFCON story.

Nigeria, meanwhile, chase milestones of their own. With 149 goals in 106 AFCON matches, they are poised to reach the 150 mark, a testament to their enduring dominance. Captain Ndidi summed up the mood: “The atmosphere in the team is good. Everyone is excited and confident, but the previous games are in the past. The focus is on the next game.”

For Ikpeazu, the clash is personal. Born of Nigerian roots but carrying Uganda’s hopes, he stands at the crossroads of heritage and ambition. As the sun sets over the Complexe Sportif de Fès, his performance could decide whether Uganda’s journey continues—or ends against the very nation of his descent.

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Morocco forward Ayoub El Kaabi netted a double and midfield maestro Brahim Diaz added another as the Africa Cup of Nations hosts turned in a convincing performance in outclassing Zambia 3-0 on Monday to top Group A.

El Kaabi powered home an early headed goal and then scored with one of his trademark bicycle kicks while Diaz netted for the third successive game as Morocco swept their opponents aside to finish on seven points ahead of second-placed Mali on three.

After a timid start to the tournament, with a nervy opening game win over tiny Comoros and then an uninspiring 1-1 draw with Mali on Friday, Morocco finally looked like the favourites that many have made them for the 24-team tournament.

Defeat meant Zambia were eliminated, as they finished bottom of the group with two points, behind Comoros on goal difference.

Morocco were on the attack from the start with Zambia goalkeeper Willard Mwanza forced into a save after 12 seconds and then making a point-blank stop in the sixth minute to deny Abdessamad Ezzalzouli.

But he was unable to stop El Kaabi’s diving header in the ninth minute as the striker powered his way in between three defenders to get onto the end of a corner.

El Kaabi might have had his second goal in the 27th minute but failed to get a touch to Ezzalzouli’s driving cross. But Diaz timed his arrival in the box perfectly to sweep it home with the left foot.

Diaz drove most of the Moroccan attacks. A menace to the opposing defence with his trickery on the ball, he is fast becoming a fan favourite at the tournament.

El Kaabi’s second goal came from a ball over the top of the Zambian defence as he launched into an overhead kick for a spectacular finish. It was initially flagged offside but a VAR check confirmed he was onside when the ball was delivered.

“It was not an easy match but thanks to a well thought game plan, we managed to secure the result we needed and seal our qualification,” said Morocco coach Walid Regragui.

“We are the home team so we must always play our games as a final. We have a very supportive crowd who are rallying behind us and that is why all the players are giving it their best in every match,” he added.

HAKIMI MAKES RETURN TO ACTION

Morocco captain, and recently crowned African Footballer of the Year, Achraf Hakimi came on to great acclaim as a 64th minute substitute and had a beaming smile on his face in his first outing since suffering an ankle injury in the Champions League almost eight weeks ago.

Hakimi’s participation in the tournament had been in doubt but his recovery was completed sooner than expected with praise from his coach for his application in the rehabilitation process.

The Paris St Germain right back was inches away from a fairytale goal in the 81st minute as a stabbed effort with the outside of the boot looked bound for the net, only for Mwanza to make a full-stretch save.

Morocco now wait to find out the identity of their opponents in the last 16 at the weekend, which will be one of the four best third-placed finishers.

-Reuters

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Mali and Comoros played to a tepid 0-0 draw in their Africa Cup of Nations Group A fixture in Casablanca on Monday, a result that sends the Malians into the last 16 and eliminates their rivals from the tournament.

Mali finish second in Group A with three points having drawn all their matches, leaving them behind pool winners Morocco (seven points).

Comoros finish in third with two points, but their -2 goal-difference means they will not be one of the four best third-place finishers that advance to the knockout stage.

Mali will face the runner-up in Group C in the next round, with their opponents to be revealed at the completion of that pool on Tuesday, but almost certain to be Tunisia.

They will be without Amadou Haidara for that fixture after he received a late red card against Comoros for a dangerous challenge.

There was little goal-mouth action against the Indian Ocean side, with just three shots on target all game, but Mali got the point they needed to ensure their progress.

Midfielder Yves Bissouma saw his goal-bound effort saved by Yannick Pandor in the Comoros goal with the best chance of the first half.

Comoros were forced forward in the second period as they had to chase the win, and El Fardou Ben forced an excellent stop from Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra as his shot looked to be arrowing into the top corner before being saved.

-Reuters

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