Back
25.01.2024Bayer 04

AFCON 2023: Werkself trio through to last 16

Werkself trio Edmond Tapsoba, Odilon Kossounou and Amine Adli have all got through the group stage of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and are into the round of 16. Tapsoba and Burkina Faso finished second in their group, Adli and Morocco went through as winners, while Kossounou and hosts Ivory Coast qualified for the knockout stages as one of the four best third-placed teams.
imago1039286100h.jpg

Tapsoba and Burkina Faso faced Mauritiana in their first match in Group D. It looked for a long time like being an opening draw, but Aston Villa's Bertrand Traoré snatched the three points with a penalty in the 96th minute. The points were then shared against Algeria, with a last-minute goal again deciding the outcome - although this time in favour of the Algerians, who made it 2-2 in stoppage time. In their last group encounter, Burkina Faso lost 2-0 to Angola, meaning they finished second in Group D with four points. Tapsoba played every minute of all three games.

Adli and morocco comfortable group winners

Morocco started the tournament with a 3-0 win against Tanzania. Adli came on in the 71st minute of the Group F opener with the score at 1-0, and set up the second goal for Azzedine Ounahi shortly after. In their second match, the North Africans had to settle for a 1-1 draw against DR Congo, with Adli again being introduced in the latter stages. Morocco sealed top spot in the group with a 1-0 victory against Zambia, with Adli coming on at half-time.

opening win enough for ivory coast

The host nation are also in the last 16. A 2-0 win over Guinea in the opening match of the tournament proved to be enough, despite subsequent 1-0 and 4-0 defeats to Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea. Kossounou watched all three games from the bench. Ivory Coast progressed to the round of 16 as one of the four best third-placed sides.

looking ahead: potential werkself clash

The last-16 ties will be played from Saturday to Tuesday (27-30 January). Tapsoba and Burkina Faso take on Mali, while Kossounou and Ivory Coast are up against Senegal. Should both win, the two Leverkusen centre-backs will then come up against each other in the quarter-finals. Adli and Morocco, meanwhile, face South Africa.

K.-o.-Phase Afrika-Cup

The quarter-finals will take place on 2 and 3 February, the semi-finals on 7 February. After the third-place playoff on 10 February, the final will be played the next day at 21:00 CET.

THE ROUND OF 16 AT A GLANCE (all times CET)

Odilon Kossounou (Ivory Coast):

29.01, 21:00: Senegal v Ivory Coast

Edmond Tapsoba (Burkina Faso):

30.01, 18:00: Mali v Burkina Faso

Amine Adli (Morocco):

30.01, 21:00: Morocco v South Africa

Related News

Moussa Diaby nach Abpfiff
Bayer 04 - 05.09.2026

Diaby homecoming caps off big win at the BayArena

“Diaby! Diaby! Diaby!” was the cry around the BayArena as the Werkself danced in front of the north stand following their 4-0 win over Union Berlin. Captain Edmond Tapsoba gave his new (and old) teammate a friendly shove forward to take in the acclaim from the fans. The returning Frenchman was typically reserved in thanking the supporters but was clearly emotional about what was happening.

Show more
Kurzpässe vor #B04FCU
Bundesliga - 05.09.2026

Matchday news #B04FCU: Ideal opponent for returning Diaby

The Bundesliga is back at the BayArena this Saturday as Bayer 04 play their first home game of the 2026/27 campaign against Union Berlin (15:30 CEST). Moussa Diaby could make his second debut for the Werkself following his return to Leverkusen – and it would be an ideal fixture for the Frenchman. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the encounter in our matchday news.

Show more
Women: TV-highlights of 2-1 at TSG Hoffenheim | 3rd matchday
Werkself-TV - 04.09.2026

Women: TV-highlights of 2-1 at TSG Hoffenheim

Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 2-1 at TSG Hoffenheim on the 3rd matchday of the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga 2026/27.

Show more
Die PK mit Martínez vor dem ersten Heimspiel gegen Union Berlin | 2. Spieltag
Werkself-TV - 04.09.2026

Carles Martínez ahead of Union Berlin: ‘Want to play with passion, mentality and win’

The Bundesliga returns to the BayArena for 2026/27 as Bayer 04 host Union Berlin on Saturday (15:30 CEST) looking for their first points of the season after last week’s opening loss at Elversberg. Head coach Carles Martínez spoke ahead of the game about what he’s learned, the team’s newest signings and who could return to the squad.

Show more