As the curtains of the 2023 African Cup of Nations are slowly drawn, the fading sights present the apex and most anticipated moments of the competition: the moments where we see the best teams cross swords to decide who wins it all and who settles for second, third, and fourth places; the AFCON Semi Finals.
The four teams left are the hosts: the Elephants of Ivory Coast, the Super Eagles of Nigeria, the Bafana Bafana of South Africa, and the Leopards of DR Congo. These four teams have beaten the best to become the best. However, today decide which teams are the better of the best. Here, you get the fixtures, predictions, and previews of what to expect in today’s AFCON semi finals clashes.
AFCON Semi Finals PREVIEW
Nigeria vs South Africa
The Bafana Bafana of South Africa looks to interrupt the blissful flight of the Super Eagles of Nigeria in a game that hasn’t favoured them historically. Both teams have faced 14 times, with Nigeria having 7 wins and 5 draws, while South Africa has managed just two wins. Also, the Super Eagles showed in their quarterfinal clash why they have the best defence in the competition, having kept clean sheets since conceding to Equatorial Guinea in their opening fixture. The Eagles, again, have shoved off all injury fears — especially for striker, Victor Osimhen — after having all players take part in their final training session yesterday. With a fully fit team, the Eagles are hoping to advance to the finals.
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The South Africans, after their initial setback against Mali, announced themselves as contenders after knocking out World Cup semi finalists, Morocco, in the round of 16. While their game against Cape Verde wasn’t the best, they were rescued by their goalkeeper and captain, Ronwen Williams, who was the biggest threat of the day. To defeat the Eagles their overall display must be better, however, they can depend on their rock at the back, who looks likely to cause the Super Eagles as much trouble as he did the Cape Verdeans.
Prediction: Nigeria 1:0 South Africa
Ivory Coast vs DR Congo
The lucky hosts moved on to another stage after their last-minute winner against Mali. The Elephants showed resilience and tenacity after going one goal and one man down against the Malians. A 90th-minute equalizer from Adingra put them back into the game before a 120-minute volley from Seko Fofana was flicked past the Malian keeper by Diakite to seal their win. The hosts have been the luckiest side so far and hopefully, their run of luck continues today.
The Congolese, after drawing their first 4 games in normal time, eventually found a win against Equatorial Guinea just when it was most needed. They face the hosts, who aside from playing with 12 men — their home fans adding a number — have also had a lucky run thus far. The game is one to watch, as fingers are crossed to see which of the two teams secures a place in the final.
Prediction: DR Congo 1:1 Ivory Coast (Ivory Coast win on penalties)
AFCON Semi Finals FIXTURES
Wednesday, 7th February, 2024.
Nigeria vs South Africa 18:00
Ivory Coast vs DR Congo 21:00
