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Morocco coach Hervé Renard says the 24-team Afcon makes for an open competition compared to the previous editions of the continental championships.
Speaking ahead of his team’s clash with Bafana Bafana tonight, the Frenchman said the size of the continental champions competition – which has been increased from 16 to 24 participants – can only be good for the fans.
The top two teams of each group, along with the best four third-placed teams, will advance to the last 16.
This is the first time in the history of the continental tournament that third places teams will qualify.
“In the previous Africa Cup, the third games sometimes were not really good games because some teams were already out. This time, even if you win one game you can still qualify,” said the tactician, who is known for his trademark crisp white shirt on match days.
“So far, I think this competition is very open. I saw some good games involving Madagascar, Uganda, Zimbabwe ... they were good.”
Debutants Madagascar shocked Nigeria 2-0 on Sunday night to win Group B but the two progressed along to join hosts Egypt, Uganda, Morocco and Algeria the teams that have secured automatic qualification to the last 16.
Egypt beat Uganda 2-0 on Monday to finish at the top of the group unbeaten. The Cranes ended second on four points, while Zimbabwe were sent home by DR Congo with a 4-0 hammering.
Also heading back home are Burundi who lost 2-0 to Guinea on Sunday, as well as Tanzania despite the East Africans still have a game to play against Group C leaders Algeria tonight.
The final Group D fixture takes place at Al Salam Stadium at 6pm tonight.
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