The Semi-final places of the AFCON 2023 have been confirmed as the match ended over the weekend with some of the sides giving a characteristic performance on the field of play.
Nigeria defeated Angola to set up a clash with South Africa who overcame Cape Verde 2-1 on penalty kicks.
Whereas Ivory Coast defeated Mali in an exemplary fashion to earn a date against the Chancel Mbemba-led DR Congo side.
It promises to be an interesting round of games as the Semi-final takes center stage on Wednesday among the four remaining teams in the AFCON competition.
Seeing Percy Tau’s South Africa side go against Victor Osimhen’s Nigeria would be mouthwatering as hostility ensued between both sides on the pitch.
With a couple of spirited performances seen from most sides in this AFCON, it would be wise for any of the last four teams to approach the match with caution
Nigeria would be the overwhelming favorite to win in this match as per history and the quality of players available to both sides.
But can the Super Eagles continue their run to the final with a win against Hugo Broos’s South African side?
The fact that South Africa has nothing to lose in this match could be leverage for them to enjoy the game on the pitch.
Nigeria’s pedigree would expose Jose Peseiro’s team to win at all costs. That’s where the pressure could bemoan the team as far as Nigeria’s semi-final stakes are concerned.
Mali wonders how they let their 1-0 goal lead slip out of their hands. They (Mali) had an amazing tournament in the AFCON 2023 qualifying from a group with Tunisia, Namibia, and South Africa in the mix.
The quality of their game may have shown the kinds of attacking talents the Malian side have in their ranks. But it was a dramatic finish to the game as Mali endured a 2-1 loss against Ivory Coast in the extra time.
South Africa on their part managed to scale through Cape Verde Island as the Islanders made it tough for them to go through to the last four.
It was the South African goalkeeper that saved his side’s blushes. He kept the clean sheet and was on hand to prevent four penalty kicks.
However, a clash against the Super Eagles beckons for the Bafana side in essence. Can South Africa curtail the quality the Super Eagles possess in the final third?
Another thing to note is the fear factor the trio of Moses Simon, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman can bring into this match.
Nigeria must be prepared for the antics South Africa will offer in the contest just as they (SA) deployed such dynamics to beat the talented Morocco side led by Hakim Ziyech in the Round of 16.
Overall, Ivory Coast would face a trickery DR Congo side that has the talents of Cedric Bakambu (striker), Yoane Wissa (forward), and Arthur Masuaku (defender) to name but a few.
Finally, it would be nice to see both West African sides tackle each other thus revealing the physical side of the African game. While the quality of both sides (DR Congo and Ivory Coast) would be on display.
The glory of the Nigerian team is beginning to become glaring as they’re growing in confidence with each game of this AFCON showpiece.
