The last four in the biggest African football event of the year are: Nigeria, Ivory Coast , South Africa and DRC Congo. AFCON 2023 Semifinals
The first semi-final pit is, three-time AFCON winners Nigeria against South Africa while the second pit will see hosts Ivory Coast take on DR Congo.Â
Nigeria vs South Africa
Although Nigeria head into this fiery fixture as favorites, South Africa should not be overlooked. Bafana Bafana comfortably overcame Morocco. Favorites to win the cup by stats, before seeing off unlikely quarter-finalists Cape Verde. AFCON 2023 Semifinals
South Africa are currently unbeaten in 13 games in all competitions, whereas Nigeria suffered a loss to Guinea in preparation for this year’s AFCON tournament. It’s also honorable to mention the heroic fit of the Bafana Bafana goalkeeper who saved 4 out of 5 penalties to secure their spot into the last four.
Statistically, Super Eagles have a better head-to-head record against Bafana Bafana.
The game will be played today, Wednesday 7, 2024, at Stade Bouaké stadium at 17:00 hrs UTC.
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DRC Congo vs Ivory Coast
This pit is interesting. DRC Congo have won the AFCON two times and in those two occasions they faced the host nation at the semi finals. Coincidence.? DRC have had a great tournament so far playing their sixth semi-final in the Africa Cup of Nations, the second in the 21st century after 2015.
On the other hand, Ivory coasts fairy tale of how they made it to the semi finals will forever be told. The Elephants’ squeezed through to the Round of 16 as the fourth-best third placed team in the group stages. Since then they have relied on last minute goals to help them progress through the tournament.
The game will be played today Wednesday 7th, 2024, at Olympic Stadium of Ebimpé at 20:00 hrs UTC.
Having received two red cards in their quarter-final game against Mali, Ivory Coast will be without both Oumar Diakite and Odilon Kossounou whereas DR Congo have their full squad available.
The Finals and The Best loser
The winners of each semi-final fixture will face off in the AFCON final on Sunday 11 February in the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpé with the match kicking off at 20:00 local time (21:00 CET).
The beaten semi-finalists will meet in the third-place playoff 24 hours previously at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny. AFCON 2023 Semifinals
