Africa Cup of Nations 2021 roundup - January 23
By Tom Gott
The round of 16 is underway in the African Cup of Nations.
We're already without pre-tournament favourites Algeria, who stunningly crashed out in the group stage, and Sunday brought another major twist in the AFCON tale.
Let's get into it.
Burkina Faso 1-1 Gabon (7-6 pen)
Burkina Faso became the first side to qualify for the quarter-finals as they outlasted 10-man Gabon on penalties.
The hot-tempered affair began with a good chance for Bertrand Traore, who had a few efforts on goal before eventually opening the scoring midway through the first half, and Burkina Faso will have fancied their chances of progressing when the away side had Sidney Obissa sent off after the break.
Gabon didn't lie down and snatched an injury time equaliser through Adama Guira, but it only prolonged their suffering as Burkina Faso went on to win on penalties.
Nigeria 0-1 Tunisia
Nigeria joined Algeria in licking their wounds earlier than expected as they stumbled out of the competition at the hands of Tunisia.
Having been the only side to win all their group games, the Super Eagles were heavy favourites against Covid-hit Tunisia, but Youssef Msakni's long-range strike early in the second half sent them crashing out.
Alex Iwobi entered the game on the hour mark but was dismissed just a few minutes later after VAR caught him stamping on Msakni, and Nigeria just couldn't cope with the disadvantage.