Nigeria & Egypt march into Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals
Nigeria controlled proceedings from the outset in Marrakech, dictating the tempo throughout the first half.
KATHMANDU: Nigeria booked their place in the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations with a commanding 2–0 victory over Algeria, powered by goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams.
Nigeria controlled proceedings from the outset in Marrakech, dictating the tempo throughout the first half.
Adams came close to opening the scoring in the 37th minute, but his effort sailed over the crossbar.
The breakthrough arrived just 85 seconds into the second half when Osimhen rose highest to head Nigeria into the lead, registering his fourth goal of the tournament.
The Super Eagles doubled their advantage in the 57th minute as Adams calmly finished from an Osimhen assist. Adams nearly added a second late on, but his header struck the post with nine minutes remaining.
The victory sees the 2023 runners-up continue their quest for continental glory. Nigeria will now face host nation Morocco in the semi-final on Wednesday in Rabat.
Egypt Join the Last Four
Egypt also secured their place in the semi-finals after edging past defending champions Ivory Coast 3–2 in a thrilling encounter.
Mohamed Salah once again proved decisive, scoring and leading from the front as the Pharaohs advanced.
Omar Marmoush gave Egypt an early advantage just four minutes into the match, and Rami Rabia doubled the lead in the 32nd minute with a powerful header.
Ivory Coast were handed a lifeline before halftime through an own goal by Ahmed Fattouh.
Salah restored Egypt’s two-goal cushion after the break, before Guela Doue’s clever backheel finish in the 73rd minute reignited hope for Ivory Coast.
Despite late pressure, the comeback fell short.
With this win, Egypt’s dream of a first African title under Salah remains alive.
They will face Senegal in the semi-final on Wednesday in Tangier, Morocco — a rematch of the 2021 final in which Senegal defeated Egypt.
The stage is now set for a dramatic conclusion to Africa’s premier football tournament, with heavyweight clashes and continental pride on the line.
