AFCON 2023: Semi-finalists set for fierce battle
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) competition has entered the semi-final stage with four teams set for what analysts believe will be a fierce battle for slots in the final.
On Saturday, hosts Cote d’Ivoire came from a goal down to throw out Mali, while South Africa eliminated the stubborn Cape Verde 5-3 on penalties.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria became the first country to book a spot in the semi-finals with a composed 1-0 victory over the hard-fighting Angolans, 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 6 p.m. (Nigerian time).
It will be hosts’ Cote d’Ivoire against DR Congo at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan, in the second semi-final fixture by 9 p.m. (Nigerian time).
Semi-finals, Wednesday (Feb. 7): Nigeria vs South Africa (Stade de la Paix, Bouake, 6 p.m.; Cote d’Ivoire vs DR Congo (Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan, 9 p.m.)
The third place play-off will be played on Saturday (Feb. 10) between the loser of semi-final 1 and the loser of semi-final 2 at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan, by 9 p.m.
The final will be played on Sunday (Feb. 11) between the winner of semi-final 1 and the winner of semi-final 2 at Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan, by 9 p.m.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Heading 2
Tinubu’s economic reforms yielding results despite doubts: Bagudu
Mr Bagudu described Mr Tinubu as a visionary leader whose decisions demonstrated courage and commitment to national development.
Sport
Flamingos lose 2-1 to Poland in FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup opener
Poland’s Natalia Skrok made it two in the second half when Blanka Zajac, in the 65th minute, crossed into the Nigerian penalty area.
States
Gov Mbah scraps N750 daily ticket fee for Enugu tricycle operators, extends work hours
Mr Mbah also disclosed that tricycle operators would continue to use the state’s modern transport terminals free of charge.
States
FG unveils five-point strategy to tackle banditry, terrorism in Sokoto
Mr Ribadu called for sustained security deployments around vulnerable settlements, forest corridors and border communities.
Politics
2027: Wike urges Rivers traditional leaders to avoid ‘mistake’, back Tinubu for prosperity
Mr Wike said, “Supporting Tinubu is a support for prosperity.”
Heading 4
NAPTIP raises alarm over rise in parents’ facilitation of children’s sexual exploitation
The NAPTIP boss said parents and guardians were facilitating the sexual exploitation of their children to make money.
