Sports

AFCON 2023: All set for fierce battle as semifinalists emerge

Published

9 months ago

February 4, 2024

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has steamrolled into the crucial semifinal stage with the best four teams remaining in the competition all gunning for the ultimate trophy that will make them African champions.

All the four teams standing— Nigeria, South Africa, DR Congo and host, Ivory Coast— all have eyes on the trophy, and as it stands, there is no writing off any of them.

On Saturday, the host, who came out of the group stage as the third best loser, came from a goal down to knock out Mali, while South Africa eliminated stubborn Cape Verde on penalties.

Before then, the Super Eagles of Nigeria, currently the highest ranked team left in the tournament, had shown champions’ stuff by becoming the first country to book a spot in the semifinals with a 1-0 victory over Angola, while DR Congo came from behind to beat Guinea 3-1.

Africanewswatch.com takes a look at the four teams getting set to battle for the final scheduled for February 11.

Nigeria

On current form, the Super Eagles stand as the most experienced team at this stage with its 16th semi-final appearance in the AFCON tournament.

Despite entering the tournament as favorites, the team had faced damning criticism, especially from some fans who never believed the team could even get out of their group.

But the coach Jose Peseiro-tutored team are now the fans’ favourites with their composed and experienced display which has seen them yet to get into second gear.

The team has also conceded only one goal on it’s way to the semi-finals and is the only team to reach the semi-final without playing an extra time, which will make them fresh against South Africa on Wednesday, February 7.

DR Congo

DR Congo proved its burgeoning prowess when defeating Guinea in the quarter-finals, stamping its authority as one of Africa’s emerging football force to reckon with.

Facing the Syli National, in the quarters, the Leopards displayed raw strength and overcame an early goal to win 3-1.

The victory marked the fifth time in the history of DR Congo that they have reached the semi-finals of the Cup of Nations.

It is interesting to note that the DRC actually won the African Nations Cup in 1968 and 1974 when they were still known as Zaire.

Ivory Coast

The host of the 2023 AFCON must be the luckiest country left in the tournament as they barely made out of the group and scrapped through to the round of 16 as one of the third best losers.

The Elephants were almost eliminated after a 4-0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea, but a quick change in the coaching setup saw them bounce back to eliminate the reigning African champions, Senegal.

They made further progress in the quarter final match in a dramatic victory over Mali, with Oumar Diakité’s last-minute goal securing their place in the semi-finals.

This will be Ivory Coast’s ninth semi-final appearance in the AFCON, when they take on DR Congo, setting the stage for a rematch of the 2015 semi-final where the Elephants emerged victorious with a 3-1 scoreline in Bata, Equatorial Guinea.

South Africa

The Bafana Bafana’s return to the pinnacle of African football after a 24-year absence is a thing to celebrate with their progress to the semi-finals after defeating a stubborn Cape Verde on penalties.

After losing its first group match, the South Africans girded up in the next group matches, winning them convincingly, before knocking out one of the pre-tournament favourites, Morocco.

But how they will fare against the rock-solid Super Eagles on Wednesday will be a testament of their mental strength.

In their last semi-final appearance, South Africa suffered a 2-0 loss to Nigeria in 2000, so much like a revenge will be on their mind come February 7.

Related Topics:AFCON 2023 Featured Semifinal Super Eagles

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Sports

Kenyan marathon legend Kipchoge advises young athletes to prioritize success over money

Published

20 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Kenyan marathon legend, Eliud Kipchoge, has advised young athletes to place success ahead of quick money and riches.

The former world marathon record holder who gave the admonition in an interview with TelecomAsiaSport, urged upcoming athletes to prioritise their careers and personal values over the lure of fast money

He noted that in light of rising mental health concerns and growing cases of doping in sports, young athletes must to shift their focus from chasing quick financial gains to building lasting careers with integrity and resilience.

Kipchoge, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and celebrated for his record-breaking marathon runs, said since retiring from the sport, he has dedicated himself to nurturing the next generation of sportsmen and women.

“I am trying to talk to the young people because no one has really gone under the skin of athletes,” he said.

‘There is a lot going on under their skins but above all we need to sensitise them that life is not all about money.

“You need to have your own values as a person, and that is what should drive you,” Kipchoge emphasised.

He added that his hopes are to use his influence to guide young athletes in prioritising personal values, mental well-being, and career longevity over the fleeting allure of fame and money.

The marathon great reiterated that he is deeply concerned with the current state of affairs, especially as he sees the tragic impacts of depression and substance abuse on those who struggle to cope.

He made particular reference to the deaths of young athletes who succumbed to the pressures of the industry, citing the tragic death of former world Under-20 champion, Kipyegon Bett, who passed away after battling depression and alcoholism, according to close family members.

He also mentioned the demise o Clement Kemboi, a former All Africa Games steeplechase champion, who was found to have taken his own life at his home in Iten.

“I will still continue talking to them. And if all of us can come together and get our minds together, we can get rid of these things. It is unfortunate that we can lose athletes at such a young age, and it is more unfortunate that we can have young people get into depression and die.”

He attributes much of the current doping crisis to the culture of seeking quick, easy money, rather than focusing on building a reputation of dedication and integrity, adding that he has witnessed how the pressure for financial success can steer young athletes down dangerous paths, often leading to doping as a shortcut to fame and prosperity.

Despite the challenges, Kipchoge said he remains hopeful that a positive shift is possible if athletes receive the right mentorship and guidance early in their careers.

“There is a need for athletes to understand that a fulfilling life extends beyond medals and money. The fame and fortune are secondary to the peace and pride of knowing you did it the right way,” he concluded.

Sports

South Africa’s FA president Danny Jordaan arrested on fraud, theft allegations

Published

2 days ago

November 13, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The President of South African Football Association (SAFA), Danny Jordaan, has been arrested on allegations of fraud and theft.

Jordaan, who was pivotal to the country hosting the first-ever FIFA World Cup tournament in Africa in 2010, is being accused of using about R1.3 million ($72,372) of SAFA funds to hire a PR firm and a private security company for his personal benefit.

His arrest follows a raid carried out by the country’s Special Investigating Unit (SPU) at the offices of SAFA in March where it was alleged that an assortment of electronic gadgets and files were seized for further investigation, thus leading to the arrest.

SA Police spokesperson, Katlego Mogale, who confirmed Jordaan’s arrest, told journalists that he was
arrested along with one other official and a businessman and are expected to appear in the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court on Wednesday.