Nigeria and DR Congo were the jubilant teams who moved forward to the semi-finals of the African cup of nations after beating Angola and Guinea, respectively, on a day packed with emotions in the Côte d'Ivoire.
That came following a first-half goal from Ademola Lookman (in pic), which was enough to help the Super Eagles overcome a stubborn Angola and reach the last four of the continent’s 2023 edition. The former England Under-21 winger, who now has three goals in the knockout stage, applied the calm side-footed finish to convert a cut-back from Moses Simon four minutes before the break in Abidjan.
The 1-0 scoreline flattered, the Palancas Negras (Black Antelopes) who were second best for long periods of the game, and despite the winner’s striker Victor Osimhen having a header ruled out for offside by VAR (Video Assistant Referee). Angola's best chance fell to Zine, who rolled the ball against the base of the post when clean through on goal just before the hour mark.
With Nigeria now on top, African Footballer of the Year, Osimhen thought he had sealed the win with his header from Lookman's free kick, only for VAR to intervene after a prolonged check for offside which caught many in the stadium by surprise. Minutes later, Angola centre-back Gaspar also denied the Napoli striker with a fantastic last-ditch tackle.
In their quarter-final clash, DR Congo’s dominant 3-1 win over a game Guinea saw them come from behind to book their semi-final spot after their 3-1 win. But it came after Mohamed Bayo put Guinea ahead with a 20th-minute penalty after the forward was fouled by Chancel Mbemba who did manage to make amends after he fired in from a narrow angle to equalise seven minutes later.
DR Congo, however, had a penalty of their own in the second half when Julian Jeanvier clipped the legs of Silas. And with that, Brentford forward Yoane Wissa converted to give the Leopards the lead with 25 minutes remaining.
The West Africans had little in response after going behind and the result was sealed when Arthur Masuaku's free kick from wide on the left caught out Guinea goalkeeper Ibrahim Kone at his near post. DR Congo will face the winners of Saturday's quarter-final between Mali and hosts Ivory Coast, with Nigeria now facing the winner of the quarter-final tie between Cape Verde and South Africa in Wednesday’s last four match.
