Groups C and D : High Tension Deciders

Yesterday's Group C and D encounters were football theatre at its finest. A platform of emotions where dreams hung by a thread and history was made in dramatic fashion. In Group C, The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon staring elimination in the face, roared back to life in the dying ashes of the match against The Gambia to finally win 3-2 in Bouake. The last minute goals transformed agonizing tension into electrifying celebration. Cameroon, seconds from exiting the tournament, sailed into the round of 16 with four points on the second position after Senegal, reviving a nation's hopes in the most breathtaking manner.
Across the field in Yamoussoukro, Senegal, already assured of a round of 16 spot, put on a masterclass against Guinea winning 2-0 to seal their position on the top seat. This result pushed Guinea to the third position but did not change the fact that they are assured of a place in the next round. They progress as one of the best-third placed teams. It is worth explaining that, while Guinea and Cameroon share the same points (4) and goal difference (-1), the Indomitable Lions' superior attacking prowess (5 goals vs. Guinea's 2) puts Cameroon on the second position while Guinea comes third. It is end of the road for The Gambia who exits the competition with 0 point. 
Group D also exploded with much pressure yesterday. 2019 champions, Algeria, were booted out by brave Mauritania in a stunning 1-0 defeat. This defeat consigned Algeria to the bottom of the group and automatically out of the race. They faced the same fate in the 2021 edition in Cameroon where they came in as defending champions, but were ...