Prospects of the four AFCON semi-finalists

The 34th Total Energies African Cup of Nations which began on the 13th January gradually is coming to an end on 11th February, 2024.

24 countries participated and a total of 48 games scheduled across six venues in Abidjan.

Here is a profile of the countries who have made it to the final four of the African soccer fiesta  in  La Cote D’Ivoire.

Nigeria is hoping to continue their formidable record at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations as they prepare to take on South Africa in the semi-finals on Wednesday.

The Super Eagles appear to be the toughest side left in the competition with the reigning African footballer of the year Victor Osimhen up front.

After drawing one all with Equatorial Guinea in their opening match, Nigeria have recorded four straight wins without conceding a goal.

Out of five games, Nigeria have scored a total of six goals. Head coach Peseiro believes his side can do better “once again we played without conceding, scored a goal, but I would have liked more” he said.

The Nigerians have made it through to a record 15th Cup of Nations semi-final as they aim to lift the trophy for the fourth time since 2013.

South Africa on the other hand will be aiming to stage a revenge as they lost to Nigeria by 2-1 in the 2019 quarter finals in Egypt.

Hugo Broos who led the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon to win the title in 2017 has now qualified South Africa’s Bafana Bafana to their first semifinals in 24 years after beating Cape Verde on penalties.

South Africa after defeating the continent’s top ranked team Morocco, have equaled Nigerias achievement at this year’s AFCON by keeping four clean sheets.

The host nation Côte d’Ivoire also secured a slot in the semi-final after the epic come back to beat Mali by 2-1.

The Elephants will now face DR Congo at the Elimpe Olympic Stadium in Abidjan where they were thumped 4-0 to Equatorial Guinea in their last group A fixture leading to the departure of head coach Jean-Louis Gasset.

However, under the supervision of interim coach Emerse Fae, the Elephants knocked out defending champions Senegal on penalties.

Côte d’Ivoire will be missing the services of Kossounou and Diakite due to suspension.

Sebastian Haller who missed the group stage games due to injury will be in the line up as they face DR Congo on Wednesday in the second semi-final clash.

The Democratic Republic of Congo having won the tournament in 1974 and failed to qualify for the last two editions in Cameron two years ago, are now contenders for the spot in the final as they take on host nation.

DR Congo drew all their group F matches, yet finished second and drew 1-1 with Egypt in the quarterfinals before eliminating them on penalties after 120 minutes of action.

The Congolese having set their eyes on the ultimate will have to outclass the Elephants of la Côte d’lvoire since they are aiming to win the trophy again after 50 years since they last did in 1974.

Bearing in mind the threats of the teams, the elimination of defending champions Senegal leaves Nigeria as the favourite to win the 34th edition.