These Teams Have Qualified for the AFCON 2024 Semi-Finals
The 2023 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (played in 2024), will go down as one of the most intriguing and competitive AFCON yet, with moments that will leave an indelible mark on football history.
Traditional powerhouses in African football, such as defending champions Senegal, Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, and Tunisia, are all out of the tournament, while Ghana suffered a shock early exit in the group stage.
Given the surprising turn of events that saw many favorites exit the competition, which teams have secured a spot in the AFCON semifinals this time around? The semifinals will be played on Wednesday, and betting fans can obtain the Parimatch app download guide in time for the showdown.
Nigeria
Securing a narrow 1-0 win over a resilient Angolan side, the three-time African champions have earned themselves a spot in the semi-finals, and will be aiming for their fourth title.
While Nigeria may have initially struggled with a lackluster 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea in their opening Group A match, they have since transformed into a more confident and improved team.
Their defensive strength is apparent, having conceded only one goal thus far and boasting the best defensive record among the semi-finalists.
DR Congo
Emerging from a tough group and showing resilience in the Round of 16, the Leopards have navigated their way to the semi-finals.
Despite drawing all their group matches and scoring only two goals, their path to the semis is indeed intriguing.
Guided by Sebastien Desabre, the team, spearheaded by the outstanding Chancel Mbemba in defense and Cedric Bakambu upfront, has demonstrated its strength as a formidable force.
Ivory Coast
It has been such a roller-coaster for the host nation throughout the tournament, with the Elephants stirring a range of feelings on their path to the semi-finals.
Their journey took a bleak turn after a crushing 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea in their final group match. Their fate hung in uncertainty, relying on Morocco’s performance to secure a spot in the Round of 16.
In response to the challenging situation, they made a significant change by parting ways with Jean Louis-Gasset and appointing former international Emerse Fae.
Fae’s managerial expertise shone brightly as he successfully led the Elephants to the semi-finals, eliminating the reigning champions, Senegal, in the Round of 16, and seeing off Mali in the quarters despite playing the best part of the match with ten men.
South Africa
Bafana Bafana went into the tournament with one goal: to reclaim a title they last won in 1996 on home soil.
Under Hugo Broos, South Africa boasts a fantastic squad, demonstrating their capability with captivating football and stunning goals.
Although an opening 2-0 loss to Mali may have come as a setback, they have steadily improved and impressed with every game played.
Securing a berth in the finals is top on Hugo Broos’ agenda, and they will want to be remembered as the team that eliminated the pre-tournament favourites Morocco, and went all the way to clinch the title in West Africa.
