Nigeria’s journey through the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) has positioned them as the team to beat in the semi-finals.
Under the astute management of coach Jose Peseiro, the Super Eagles have not conceded a single goal in their last four matches, showcasing a formidable defensive unit that has propelled them to a record 15th Cup of Nations semi-final.
After a modest start with a 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea in the opening match, Nigeria has secured four consecutive victories, culminating in a hard-fought 1-0 win over Angola in the quarter-finals.
Ademola Lookman’s decisive goal proved to be the difference, and Peseiro emphasized the importance of a solid defence, stating, “If you don’t concede goals, you can win every time.”
The Nigerians are now eyeing their fourth AFCON title, the first since 2013. They face South Africa in a highly anticipated rematch of the 2019 quarter-final, where the Super Eagles emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline, courtesy of current captain William Troost-Ekong’s late heroics.
South Africa, led by veteran Belgian coach Hugo Broos, is enjoying a resurgence after failing to qualify for the previous AFCON in 2022.
Broos, who previously guided Cameroon to the 2017 title, has steered Bafana Bafana to their first semi-final in 24 years. The South Africans have mirrored Nigeria’s defensive prowess, keeping four consecutive clean sheets.
“I think Nigeria is a team that is getting better and better with every game,” acknowledged Broos. With both teams set to face each other in World Cup qualifiers in a few months, the semi-final clash provides a crucial test for both sides.
In the other semi-final, Ivory Coast will square off against DR Congo at the Ebimpe Olympic Stadium in Abidjan.
The Elephants’ journey has been nothing short of dramatic, overcoming a managerial change and a heavy defeat to Equatorial Guinea in the group stage.
Interim coach Fae has orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, guiding Ivory Coast to the semi-finals.
Following a nail-biting victory over Mali in the quarter-finals, where they played with ten men for much of the match, Ivory Coast will be without the suspended Odilon Kossounou and Oumar Diakite.
Despite the setbacks, the Ivorians are riding high on confidence, as midfielder Seko Fofana declared, “After Equatorial Guinea, we were at the bottom of a hole. Now, we are not afraid of anything.”
Sebastien Haller, who missed the group stage due to injury, could be a key factor for Ivory Coast. The Borussia Dortmund striker has significantly impacted off the bench and might earn a starting role in the semi-final.
On the other side, DR Congo dreams of reaching the AFCON final for the first time since their triumph as Zaire in 1974.
After eliminating Egypt on penalties in the last 16 and staging a comeback against Guinea with a 3-1 victory in the quarters, the Leopards are a team to be reckoned with.
As the AFCON semi-finals unfold, football enthusiasts eagerly anticipate high-stakes clashes that promise skill, determination, and the thrill of witnessing teams vying for continental glory.
With Nigeria’s impregnable defence, South Africa’s resurgence, Ivory Coast’s dramatic journey, and DR Congo’s historic aspirations, the stage is set for two captivating encounters that will shape the destiny of the 2024 African Cup of Nations.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
