MALABO, Equatorial Guinea, January 30 -The 58-year history of the Africa Cup of Nations is littered with dramatic knockout matches and AFP sport recalls five quarter-final thrillers:
1996: South Africa 2 Algeria 1
This was the closest call for debutants South Africa en route to lifting the trophy with John ‘Shoes’ Moshoeu scoring an 85th-minute winner in rain-drenched Soweto just 60 seconds after Algeria had equalised.
2006: Ivory Coast 1 Cameroon 1 (12-11 penalties)
An amazing penalty shootout in Egyptian capital Cairo saw 22 consecutive kicks converted before Samuel Eto’o missed and fellow African superstar Didier Drogba scored to squeeze Ivory Coast through.
2008: Cameroon 3 Tunisia 2
Cameroon surrendered a two-goal advantage only to grab victory three minutes into extra time in Ghanaian town Tamale through the second goal of the match from current Indomitable Lions captain Stephane Mbia.
2010: Algeria 3 Ivory Coast 2
Kader Keita put the Ivorians 2-1 ahead one minute from time in Angolan enclave Cabinda only for Madjid Bougherra to level in stoppage time and Hameur Bouazza struck two minutes into extra time for a stunning triumph.
2013: Nigeria 2 Ivory Coast 1
Once again Ivory Coast were favourites and once again they ‘choked’. A brilliant Sunday Mba goal 12 minutes from time in South African mining town Rustenburg won the game and set Nigeria up for a third title.
