2023 Africa Cup of Nations: 5 things we learned on Day 8 - goals galore

Group D's two games served up nine goals and the two spots for the last-16 are still up for grabs ahead of the final round of games. And a prize before the prize for the Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen?

Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen was belatedly presented with the 2020 Prix Marc Vivien Foé which is awarded to the best African footballer playing in France. © RFI/Denis Chastel

Late but appreciated

In 2020, while he was at Lille, Victor Osimhen won the Prix Marc Vivien Foé for being the best African footballer in France. But because of the Covid-19 and then various other things, the Nigerian was never formally awarded the accolade which is organised by RFI and France 24 in memory of Foé who died from a heart attack while playing for Cameroon against Colombia at the Confederations Cup in 2003. Osimhen was finally handed his award in Abidjan by RFI's sports editor Christophe Jousset. "A lot of people were writing me off never to achieve something greater like the African footballer of the year," said Osimhen. "But for me, it's all hard work and consistency because I really give my everything - my sweat, blood and tears to make sure I achieve my dreams. And then to be able to come out on top is a huge one for me."

There's fire in that there belly

During the delayed award ceremony, Osimhen, whose 26 goals helped to fire  Napoli to the 2023 Serie A title, pledged there would be even more glory. "I cannot lie, it's only beginning from here. It's only a motivation to me to keep on going forward. And I know I really have so much to give." 

Algeria leave it late

Baghdad Bounedjah was Algeria's hero in the game against Burkina Faso. He scored both goals to take his 2023 Cup of Nations tally up to three as his side twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with the Burkinabe boys. All the 2019 champions have to do is beat Mauritania in their final game in Group D and they should qualify for the last-16. "I have observed the mistakes we made," said Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi who steered the side to the crown in Egypt four years ago. "And I will make sure we play better in our last group match. We could have been disappointed and nervous after the draw with Angola in the first igame but we made sure we came with a better mindset. I’m sure with these players we will get far in this competition.” We like the faith.

Almost there

This could be a moment to go off on strained links to Andy Williams songs. But we will resist that voyage to a moon river. Burkina Faso were almost there - the knockout stages - before Baghdad Bounedjah's equaliser for Algeria in second-half stoppage time. Burkina Faso boss Hubert Velud said his players took their eye off the ball. "The regret we have is losing concentration to concede in the last minute," said the 64-year-old Frenchman. "We did what we wanted to do but we could have taken things more seriously in the last minutes." All's not quie lost though. Burkina Faso, who reached the semis in 2021 - will be in the knockout stages with a point against Angola in the final Group D game.

Joys of competition

Tunisia, who surprisingly lost to Namibia in their opening game in Group E, got their show on the road with a 1-1 draw against Mali in Korhogo. "We deserved more but could not find the winning goal," said the Tunisia boss Jalel Kadri. Tunisia have a straightforward task in their final game against South Africa: they must win. Added Kadri: "Our fate remains in our hands." By far the best place for it to be.