We witnessed some unexpected results on Matchday 10 of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024).
For the first time since the beginning of this competition, there were four matches played on the same day, as Groups A and B closed out their respective chapters.
On that note, here's a recap of Monday's games:
Monday's AFCON 2024 talking points
Relentless Equatorial Guinea punish Ivory Coast
It's worth mentioning that Ivory Coast came into this tournament on a three-match winning streak, and sure enough, they kicked off their AFCON 2024 campaign with a victory, taking the lead in Group A after the first round of matches.
However, things have not gone swimmingly for the hosts since then, as they lost back-to-back games against Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea, falling to third on the table.
Despite being the overwhelming favourites against the Equatoguineans, Jean-Louis Gasset's men suffered a humiliating 4-0 loss in a match where two of their goals were flagged offside.
The hosts will now need help to get into the knockout stages of AFCON 2024.
Super Eagles book Round of 16 spot
In the other Group A clash, Nigeria's Super Eagles took on Guinea-Bissau, a team they had faced in the qualifying rounds of this tournament, and also in the group stage of the previous AFCON edition.
José Peseiro's men ultimately emerged victorious, thanks to an own goal from Guinea-Bissau's Opa Sangante. They've now secured a round of 16 spot, where they'll meet whoever finishes second in Group C.
Disappointing draw for Egypt
To be fair, the Pharaohs of Egypt managed to book a place in the knockout stages of this tournament. However, it wasn't a pleasant day for Rui Vitoria's men.
Interestingly, Mostafa Mohamed gave the Egyptians the lead in the 93rd minute, but they were unable to hold on for all three points, as Cape Verde was back on level terms just before the final whistle.
The Pharaohs were also dealt a huge blow as starting goalie Mohamed El-Shenawy picked up a stoppage-time injury. The Al Ahly shot-stopper joins Liverpool's Mohamed Salah in the recovery room.
All in all, both teams earned a place in the Round of 16 after their 2-2 draw.
Will the Black Stars pack their bags?
Ghana squared off against Mozambique on Monday, in a heartbreaking result for Black Stars fans worldwide.
Chris Hughton's men had a two-goal lead at the 90-minute mark, and had one foot in the knockout stages of this competition.
However, the Black Stars became complacent, conceding two stoppage-time goals in a 2-2 draw.
It can be said that Ghana are still in this tournament, as it's mathematically possible for them to reach the knockout stages in spite of their tally of two points.
However, their chances are about as slim as Chelsea winning the Premier League this season.
Play of the day
Our play of the day is centred on Egypt's first goal by Mahmoud Trézéguet. What a strike!
What's next?
There will be four matches played on Tuesday, as all the teams in Groups C and D will be in action.
Gambia and Cameroon will go head-to-head, with Guinea vs Senegal kicking off at the same time.
Also, Angola and Burkina Faso will battle for the top spot in Group D, while Mauritania and Algeria will battle for a place in the Round of 16.
