24 men’s football national teams are gathered in Côte d’Ivoire and only 16 will make it through to the knockout stage.

The top two teams from each group as well as four best third-placed teams will qualify for the last 16.

As we near the third and final round of matches in the group stages, two teams have already qualified for the second round. Cabo Verde became the first team to qualify for the last 16 after their 3-nil hammering of Mozambique in their second Group B match. Bebe’s 40m first half free kick took them ahead of Mozambique at Felix Houphouet Boigny stadium. Captain Ryan Mendes and Kevin Pina scored the second and third goals respectively, collecting three points and guaranteeing their spot in the knockout stage. This is Cabo Verde’s biggest ever AFCON win as they finish top of Group B having beaten Ghana 2-1 in their first match.

The defending champions Senegal also secured a maximum six points in their first and second Group C matches making them top the group and qualifying for the round of 16. Senegal thrashed Gambia 3-0 in their opening match and went on to tame the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon 3-1.

This leaves Cameroon uncertain of their position in the round of 16. They are currently on 3rd position with one point gained in the first match against Guinea. Their final match is against Gambia who are yet win or draw in the tournament.