The semi-final stage of the 34th edition Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), is set with Nigeria, South Africa, DR Congo and hosts Cote d’Ivoire emerging as the final four teams left in the continent’s premier football event.
The AFCON tournament, tagged Cote d’Ivoire 2023, so far has seen shock results, brilliant goals, thrilling match-ups, wild celebrations and amazing attires worn by fans from across the continent cheering their teams on.
Voice of Nigeria takes a look at all four teams and their stories so far.
Super Eagles of Nigeria
The Super Eagles are up against fierce rivals Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the semi-finals of the AFCON and will lock horns on Wednesday at the Stade de la Paix, Bouake by 6pm (WAT).
Nigeria secured passage to the semi-finals of the competition after a hard-fought 1-0 victory against giant-killers Angola in Abidjan on Friday. The Super Eagles are the most experienced team at this stage, making its 16th appearance in an AFCON semi-final. They will be to secure a spot in the final of the competition.
The three-time champions, who are now the highest ranked team in the tournament, will be seeking to reach the final with victory against rivals South Africa.
While the focus was on their attacking prowess, the defence proved resilient, conceding only one goal. Coach José Peseiro’s men are the only team to reach the semi-final without playing extra time.
The Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire
Hosts Cote d’Ivoire will face DR Congo in the second semi-final fixture of the Africa Cup of Nations, at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan by 9pm (WAT).
It would be a rematch of the 2015 semi-final, where the Elephants emerged victorious with a 3-1 scoreline in Bata, Equatorial Guinea.
Cote d’Ivoire came from a goal down to beat Mali 2-1 in the last minute of the game to advance to the semis of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. As the hosts almost got eliminated after a 4-0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea, they bounced back, eliminating reigning African champions Senegal in style.
Bafana Bafana of South Africa
South Africa have been impressive so far in the 2023 AFCON, eliminating World Cup semi-finalists Morocco and then stunning an in-form Cape Verde side in the quarter-finals to reach the semis.
Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was the hero as South Africa beat Cape Verde 5-3 on penalties following a goalless draw after regulation time, 120 minutes to advance to the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals.
Bafana Bafana returned to the pinnacle of African football, ending a 24-year absence from the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals. Their journey continues when they face familiar foes and rivals Nigeria in what would be a fierce encounter.
In their last semi-final appearance, South Africa suffered a 2-0 loss to Nigeria in 2000 and will be seeking to put up a challenge when both sides meet at the
The Leopards of DR Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo will face an uphill task against hosts Cote d’Ivoire in the semi-finals of the AFCON, at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan.
DR Congo came from behind to beat Guinea 3-1 in their quarter-final encounter to secure passage to the next round. The Leopards displayed strength and resilience to overcome an early goal by the Syli National to secure the victory.
The victory marked the fifth time in DR Congo’s history as they reached the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations.
When DR Congo won the CAN tournament in 1968 and 1974, they eliminated the host country in the semi-final. In 1968, they beat Ethiopia 3-2 after extra time and in 1974, Egypt fell by the same scoreline.
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