Newcastle United’s Chancel Mbemba and Christian Atsu will come face-to-face in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations after the line-up for the last eight was confirmed yesterday [Wednesday].
After winning their first two games, Atsu’s Ghana relinquished top-spot in Group D after losing 1-0 to Egypt, Mohamed Salah’s goal enough for Hector Cuper’s side to leapfrog the Black Stars.
As a result, Ghana will take on the Democratic Republic of Congo in Oyem on Sunday, Mbemba and his teammates having enjoyed an unbeaten start to the competition.
The Leopards saw off Togo two days ago to win a tough-looking Group C, reigning champions Ivory Coast crashing out after a 1-0 defeat to Morocco.
Atsu, who won the man of the match award in the last edition, started the competition on fire.
He was by far the best player on the pitch when the Stars took on the Cranes of Uganda and says he wants to continue playing in the groove.