Revisiting compelling quarter-final matches in Coted’Ivoire
The quarter-finals of AFCON 2023 were mind-blowingly exciting!
The last round of 8 took off with Nigeria narrowly beating Angola. Atalanta winger, Ademola Lookman blasted in a cross by Moses Simon’s four minutes before half-time to send Nigeria into the last four.
Their next opponents, South Africa overcame Cape Verde and reached the semi-finals after winning a tense penalty shoot-out. Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made world soccer history by saving 4 out of 5 spot-kicks. The hard-fought win meant Bafana Bafana would be participating in the final four of an Afcon for the first time since 2000.
The host nation, Coted’Ivoire were involved in their second edgy extra-time extravaganza. The Elephants survived yet another elimination scare after going a man and a goal down early in their quarter-final duel with Mali. Ivorian substitute, Simon Adingra came to interim coach, Emerse Fae’s rescue and scored in the 90th minute. Much to the delight of the locals, the hosts found a miraculous 122nd-minute winner, thanks to Oumar Diakite. The goal sparked scenes of uncontrollable elation at the orange-bathed Stade de la Paix. The Eagles of Mali were inconsolable when the final whistle blew. Referee Mohamed Adel was surrounded by angry Malian players who struggled to come to terms with the defeat after dominating the game.
DR Congo also secured a spot in the next round after comprehensively beating Guinea,3-1 at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium. The Leopards of Congo have failed to qualify for the semi-finals since winning the AFCON in 1974.
Semi-final Showdowns for the history books
The day has finally arrived!! Four nations will go to war today for a place in Sunday’s final.
The epic semi-final clash between South Africa and Nigeria is more than just football. Over the last two decades, there have been a series of violent incidents and discrimination towards Nigerians residing in South Africa. The Nigeria High Commission has issued a warning to Nigerians in South Africa to be cautious before, during, and after the game between the AFCON semi-finalists.
This will be the fifteenth heated confrontation on a soccer pitch between the two bitter rivals. In fourteen encounters, The Super Eagles have won seven matches, while Bafana Bafana has recorded two wins against Nigeria. The two prolific sides have drawn five times.
Since losing 2-0 to Mali in their first match, South Africa has not conceded a goal in open play. Their West African opponents have equally been impressive in defence and have only conceded 1 goal in the tournament so far. Both teams have scored 6 goals in Coted’Ivoire.
Yesterday, news spread that Victor Osimehen might miss the do-or-die clash due to abdominal pains. The Napoli star has since recovered and will be looking to improve on his abysmal goal tally when he faces the talented Rowen Williams tonight.
The mind war between the two coaches, Hugo Broos and Jose Peseiro will also be another fascinating clash worth observing.
What a firecracker of a game loading!
Later in the evening, DR Congo who dumped out seven-time winners Egypt will go against the rejuvenated hosts of the tournament.
The Leopards won this competition twice in 1968 and 1974. On both occasions, they beat the hosts in the semi-finals. The only previous meeting between Côte d’Ivoire and DR Congo was at the semi-final stage in 2015; the golden generation of Cot’Ivoire won 3-1 and went on to lift the trophy that year. Democratic Republic of Congo head coach Sebastien Desabre will be out for revenge as he harbours dreams of ending a 50-year wait to become African Champions again.
As nightmares of the 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea continue to haunt the hosts, The Elephants will undoubtedly be fired up to continue their miraculous change of fortunes at AFCON 2023. The Ivorians will be missing four key players Diakite, Serge Aurier, Christian Kouame and Odilon Kossounou. Congolese fans will be hoping Yoanne Wissa adds to his goal tally tonight
Four teams are on the brink of AFCON glory. Four teams are just one game away……