Sebastien Haller’s decisive aim within the sixty fifth minute secured Ivory Coast’s place within the Africa Cup of Nations ultimate in opposition to long-standing rival Nigeria.
The thrilling 1-0 win, celebrated fervently within the packed Alassane Ouattara Stadium, noticed Haller’s fantastic strike discover the again of the online beneath the crossbar.
Haller, making his first begin of the event following a full restoration from an ankle damage, delighted Ivorian followers who imagine their crew is divinely guided towards a 3rd Africa Cup title.
Despite lacking 4 gamers suspended from the semifinals as a result of dramatic quarterfinal victory over Mali, Ivory Coast clinched its spot in Sunday’s ultimate.
In the opposite semifinal, Kelechi Iheanacho sealed Nigeria’s path to the ultimate with a profitable penalty, securing a 4-2 shootout victory over South Africa after the match ended 1-1 following further time.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) had made begin in opposition to the house crew. Cedric Bakambu thought he’d put the Leopards forward however his celebrations have been reduce brief and the aim was dominated out as goalkeeper Yahia Fofana was deemed to have had the ball.
Simon Adingra headed likelihood vast for Ivory Coast earlier than Yoane Wissa had an effort saved by Fofana on the different finish.
Fan favourite Haller headed the most effective likelihood of the primary half vast within the forty first and went on to overlook different good possibilities. All was forgiven when he scored the winner.
DRC’s gamers and coach Sebastien Desabre protested by holding their proper palms in entrance of their mouths and two fingers to their temples through the nation’s anthem to highlight the armed violence collaborating within the east of the nation. The gamers additionally wore black armbands for the sport.
Super Eagles prevail
There have been no heroics this time within the penalty shootout from South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who saved 4 within the quarterfinal win over Cape Verde.
Nigeria counterpart Stanley Nwabali made two penalty saves to disclaim the Bafana Bafana a spot within the ultimate – diving to the underside left nook to thwart Teboho Mokoena, then Evidence Makgopa’s centrally positioned effort.
Nigeria, the three-time champion, will play both host nation Ivory Coast or Congo in Sunday’s ultimate. They have been enjoying later within the different semifinal.
The recreation in Bouake had barely began when Nigerian star Victor Osimhen doubled over in obvious ache. Osimhen was an damage fear earlier than the sport due to stomach ache, however he was in a position to resume after a quick pause.
Percy Tau had the primary actual likelihood however shot straight at Nwabali, who then needed to emerge from aim to seize the ball when Tau burst by way of minutes later and produced a superb save to cease Makgopa’s effort from the highest nook.
South Africa dominated possession and created extra possibilities within the first half.
Nigeria acquired its break halfway by way of the second when Mothobi Mvala conceded a penalty for a foul on Osimhen.
Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong coolly fired the spot kick to the middle of the aim within the 67th, although Williams nearly stopped it together with his legs.
Osimhen thought he’d sealed the win within the eighty fifth, solely to have the aim dominated out after a VAR examine discovered Alhassan Yusuf had fouled Tau within the space. South Africa was duly awarded a penalty.
Mokoena made no mistake with the spot kick to equalize within the ninetieth minute and Khuliso Mudau went on to overlook a terrific likelihood to seal a South African win in stoppage time.
Source: www.dailysabah.com