Nigeria and DR Congo secured their places in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-finals following victorious performances in their quarter-final clashes on Friday night.
In the early match, the super eagles triumphed over a resilient Angola side with a narrow 1-0 win. Ademola Lookman was the hero for the Super Eagles, breaking the deadlock with a well-executed goal.
Moses Simon’s precise cross set up Lookman’s strike from inside the box. Despite Nigeria’s offensive dominance, Victor Osimhen’s apparent second-half goal was disallowed by VAR for offside. Angola had their chances, hitting the bar and forcing a save from Nigerian goalkeeper Kelechi Nwabali.
In the late fixture, DR Congo displayed a remarkable comeback, overcoming a one-goal deficit to defeat Guinea 3-1 at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan.
Guinea took an early lead with a Mohamed Bayo penalty, but DR Congo responded as skipper Chancel Mbemba leveled the score with a well-taken volley. In the second half, Yoan Wissa’s penalty and Arthur Masuaku’s late free-kick secured DR Congo’s semi-final berth, marking their first appearance in the last four since 1998.
DR Congo will face the winner of the quarter-final match between Mali and hosts Ivory Coast.
Wissa expressed the team’s readiness, stating, “Whether it’s Mali or Cote d’Ivoire, we have no preference. They are two great footballing nations, and we have to be ready for them.”
Reported By AFP.
