2023 Africa Cup of Nations: 5 things we learned on Day 10 - party time

The hosts took a battering and Ghana found catastrophe in the smiling face of redemption. And Nigeria are into the last-16 ... without panache. There's a mutiny a-coming skipper.

Hosts Cote d'Ivoire might be ejected from their own party following their 4-0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea. The hosts will have to wait for two more days to discover if they can advance to the last-16 as one of the four best third-placed teams. REUTERS - STRINGER

No way to treat hosts

And so unfancied Equatorial Guinea won Group A. Didn’t see that coming. They finished it off in some style with a 4-0 demolition of the hosts Cote d’Ivoire who are still not out of the party. They must wait until the end of the group stages to see if they can proceed as one of the four best third-placed teams. Not the way it was supposed to go but still advancing is progress.

Right then

Obviously the idea of advancing discombobulated Ghana. They were 2-0 up against Mozambique and heading for the last-16. But in second-half stoppage-time, Mozamabique scored not once but twice to level the game and pull Ghana from four points and more football back to two points and the plane home.

Not heard the last of the Mozambicans

Mozambique’s rise was celebrated throughout Cote d’Ivoire because it eliminated Ghana as one of the best third-placed teams. Had Ghana won, they would have continued as runners up in Group B and Egypt woud have been third with three points but a better three points than Cote d’Ivoire’s. Perhaps when the Ivorians lift the title, they’ll spare a thought for those plucky Mozambicans.

Hot drama

There were some great theatrics at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan where Egypt and Cape Verde did battle. Mostafa Mohamed’s unbridled celebrations after scoring Egypt's goal to give them a lead for 2-1 were wonderful. It was obvious it was coming because this is what Egypt tend to do. They are continuing their adventure even if Mo Salah is unlikely to play for them during the tournament. His injured hamstring will probably keep him out for a month.

José's way

Nigeria coach José Peseiro found the Nigerian Inquisition in sweet bitter mood after the 1-0 win over Guinea Bissau that took the Super Eagles into the last-16 as runners-up in Group A. Several reporters wanted to know why the wondrous specimens up front weren't producing marvels. "We're defensively solid," said Peseiro with a sleight of hand that his strikers should apply to their feet. "We didn't let any goals in and we scored one more than the opponents. If we continue to do that we will go far." OK, José. But you do know there will be questions.