By Goodluck B Ikiebe With Agency Reports
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Cote d’Ivoire 2023 has entered into the penultimate stage with four teams set to battle for two final spots.
With the conclusion of the quarter-finals matches on Saturday, the 24 teams that started the tournament have now be whittled down to just four.
In the concluding matches played on Saturday, hosts Cote d’Ivoire came from a goal down to dispatch Mali while South Africa eliminated Cape Verde 5-3 on penalties, after a pulsating goalless 120 minutes to advance to the Semis.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria was the first country to book a spot in the semi-finals with a composed 1-0 victory over the hard fighting Angola, while DR Congo came from behind to beat Guinea 3-1.
Nigeria, who are now the highest ranked team in the tournament will lock horns with perennial foe, Bafana Bafana of South Africa on Wednesday at the Stade de la Paix, Bouake by 6pm (Nigerian time).
While the host, Cote d’Ivoire confronts DR Congo at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan in the second semi-final fixture by 9pm (Nigerian time).
Semi-finals, Wednesday (Feb. 7).
1: Nigeria vs South Africa (Stade de la Paix, Bouake, 6pm)
2: Cote d’Ivoire vs DR Congo (Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan, 9pm)
Third place play-off, Saturday (Feb. 10)
Loser semi-final 1 vs Loser semi-final 2 (Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan, 9pm)
Final, Sunday (Feb. 11)
Winner semi-final 1 vs Winner semi-final 2 (Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan, 9pm). GNN Reports That Nigeria’s Super Eagles is being tipped to win the AFCON23 Cup.
