AFCON 2023 : Second Day With High Stakes

The group stage has been a rollercoaster ride, with traditional powerhouses struggling against underdogs and minnows on match day-one of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). It is against this backdrop that the second playing day of the competition which begins today January 18, 2024 will be that of high stakes and suspense, as teams will be struggling to better their qualification chances to the knock out stage.
Côte d’Ivoire is serene while Nigeria is on pressure in Group A. The hosts, Côte d'Ivoire, have lived up to expectations to lead Group A with three points. They play their second match of the competition today against Nigeria. It is the same Nigeria that was left red-faced after being held to a draw by Equatorial Guinea. This result served as a warning to the established teams that no game is a guaranteed win. With just one point, the Super Eagles are under pressure as they meet the Elephants.
In Group B, Egypt and Ghana are on hot seats. This group has been a breeding ground for upsets. Cape Verde defeated four-time champions Ghana. Egypt was forced to settle for a draw against Mozambique. Egypt and Ghana, being back on the wall, meet in a determining match today while the Cape Verdeans and the Mozambicans that pulled upsets will battle it out on Friday. 
The two matches of day 2 in Group C are billed for Friday January 19, 2024. The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon were held to a draw by a determined Guinea side. With just one point, it will be of the interest of the Cameroonians to overpower Senegal so as to better their chances...