by Silas Boahene | Feb 5, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, International, Soccer
In the second semi-final, Ivory Coast will face DR Congo at the Ebimpe Olympic Stadium in Abidjan. Despite a rocky start, including a 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea, the Elephants have undergone a remarkable turnaround. After sacking coach Jean-Louis Gasset, they secured a spot as the last of the four best third-placed teams.
Under interim coach Fae, Ivory Coast knocked out holders Senegal in the last 16 and clinched a dramatic 2-1 victory over Mali in the quarterfinals. Despite being reduced to 10 men and trailing, they leveled in the 90th minute and won in added time at the end of extra time.
Midfielder Seko Fofana expressed the team’s newfound fearlessness, stating, “After Equatorial Guinea, we were at the bottom of a hole. We had to wait and hope that we would qualify, which happened, and now we are not afraid of anything.”
Key Players and Considerations
Ivory Coast will be without suspended players Kossounou and Diakite, opening the possibility for striker Sebastien Haller to return to the starting XI. Although missing the group stage due to injury, Haller has made a significant impact off the bench.
DR Congo, dreaming of reaching the final for the first time since 1974 when they were champions as Zaire, overcame Egypt in the last 16 on penalties and defeated Guinea 3-1 in the quarters. The team’s aspirations are high as they eye a historic final appearance.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 5, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Victor Osimhen’s Nigeria is set to maintain their impressive run at the Africa Cup of Nations as they face South Africa in the upcoming semifinal clash on Wednesday. Meanwhile, hosts Ivory Coast will square off against the Democratic Republic of Congo in what promises to be a thrilling encounter after a remarkable journey to the last four.
Nigeria stands out as the tournament’s strongest side, boasting the reigning African footballer of the year leading their frontline and a solid defensive strategy implemented by coach Jose Peseiro.
Following a 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea in their opener, Nigeria has secured four consecutive victories without conceding a single goal. Coach Peseiro emphasized the importance of a solid defense after the quarter-final triumph over Angola, where Ademola Lookman’s goal secured a 1-0 victory.
South Africa as the Underdogs
Nigeria, aiming for a record 15th Cup of Nations semi-final, faces South Africa at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake. This encounter recalls the 2019 quarter-final in Egypt, where the Super Eagles secured a 2-1 win, thanks to William Troost-Ekong’s late goal.
Despite failing to qualify for the last AFCON in 2022, South Africa, under veteran Belgian coach Hugo Broos, has made a comeback to the big stage. Their journey to the semi-final included a penalty shootout victory against Cape Verde and victories over Morocco, the continent’s top-ranked team.
Broos acknowledged Nigeria’s improvement and expressed that the match serves as a unique test for both teams, considering their upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 5, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer
In a surprising turn of events, South African singer Tyla emerged victorious in the Best African Music Performance category at the 66th Grammy Awards, defeating prominent Nigerian artists such as Davido, Burna Boy, Asake, and Ayra Starr. Tyla, known for her breakout hit ‘Water’ in 2023, has ignited a new wave of rivalry between Nigerians and South Africans on social media, just as both nations gear up for the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final on Wednesday.
Some critics see Tyla’s Grammy win as an early lead for South Africa, foretelling what they believe Nigerians should expect in the AFCON semi-final clash. The victory has sparked discussions and banter online, with fans from both countries passionately engaging in the rivalry.
For certain Nigerians, the stakes are high, and the anticipation is building as they view the upcoming AFCON semi-final as the decisive battleground in the “Amapiano battle.” The football pitch in Bouake, Cote D’Ivoire, is set to host the clash that will determine bragging rights and supremacy between Nigeria and South Africa.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 5, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer
In a remarkable journey through the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeria has showcased exceptional performances, securing their spot in the semifinals. The Super Eagles’ success includes a 2-0 victory over Cameroon and a crucial 1-0 win against Angola in the quarterfinals, courtesy of Ademola Lookman’s expertly-taken goal.
Nigeria’s campaign has been undefeated so far, boasting four wins and one draw in the 34th edition of Africa’s premier football festival. Notably, this marks Nigeria’s 16th appearance in the last-four stage in only 20 attempts.
Under the guidance of coach Jose Peseiro, the Super Eagles commenced their journey with a thrilling 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea, followed by an impressive 1-0 win over hosts Cote d’Ivoire. They concluded their Group A campaign with another slender 1-0 victory against Guinea-Bissau, securing a spot as runners-up behind Equatorial Guinea.
A standout performance for Nigeria came in the Round of 16 against Cameroon, where Ademola Lookman’s double led the Super Eagles to a 2-1 triumph over the Indomitable Lions. Lookman continued his impactful contributions by securing the only goal against Angola in the quarterfinals.
Whoscored ratings highlight William Troost-Ekong as Nigeria’s standout and most consistent performer at the AFCON, with a rating of 7.32. He is closely followed by Calvin Bassey (7.16), Ademola Lookman (7.09), and Victor Osimhen (7.06).
Lookman emerges as Nigeria’s top goal contributor, netting three times and providing an assist. Osimhen and Troost-Ekong are the only other goal-scorers for the Super Eagles.
Examining player statistics, Moses Simon and Calvin Bassey lead as Nigeria’s top dribblers, each averaging 0.8 dribbles per game. Samuel Chukuweze and Joe Aribo closely follow with 0.7 dribbles each, while Ola Aina makes his presence felt with 0.6.
In the key passes division, Lookman (1.8 per game), Aina (1.4), Chukwueze (1.3), and Osimhen (1.2) stand out as the top contributors for the Super Eagles.
Osimhen leads the squad with 3.8 shots per game, while Lookman has drawn the most fouls. Semi Ajayi stands out as the only player to have played every minute of Nigeria’s five matches.
Defensively, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, and Frank Onyeka lead as top tacklers, with Onyeka and Ajayi making the most interceptions. Troost-Ekong excels in blocks, clearances, and aerial duels, winning 4.3 per game.
As Nigeria prepares for the semifinal clash with South Africa, coach Peseiro relies on these key players to bring their A-game to the field.
by Silas Boahene | Feb 5, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer
In the aftermath of Nigeria’s quarterfinal victory over Angola, where Ademola Lookman secured the only goal of the game, South Africa’s coach, Hugo Broos, remains upbeat about facing the Super Eagles in the AFCON 2023 semi-final, according to Sportblog247.com.
Broos, 71, has been at the helm of Bafana Bafana since 2021 and successfully guided them to the semi-finals of the AFCON 2023 tournament. The Belgian coach experienced an intense moment on the bench during a penalty shoot-out against Cape Verde, with goalkeeper Ronwen Hayden Williams making crucial saves to secure victory for the one-time AFCON champions.
In his post-match conference, Broos assured that his team would be well-prepared for the upcoming clash against Jose Peseiro’s squad in Bouake on Wednesday. Acknowledging Nigeria’s talented players, especially Ademola Lookman, he emphasized the need for focus and player readiness, emphasizing the importance of rest and recovery in their preparation.
Reflecting on the hard-fought win over Cape Verde, Broos humorously commented on the toll the match took on him, saying, “Let’s say six hours ago I was 71, now I’m 75. It was a stressful game, certainly the penalties. You know what happens when you have to take penalties; it’s a very special situation for the players.”
Both goalkeepers, Stanley Nwabali and Ronwen Hayden Williams, have maintained clean sheets throughout the tournament in Ivory Coast.
