AFCON 2023: Nigeria edge past Angola to reach semi-finals
Nigeria advanced to the semi-finals after a hard-fought 1-0 win over giant-killers Angola in Abidjan.
The Super Eagles had to work hard for the victory against the Palancas Negras side that had exceeded expectations in reaching the last eight.
Nigeria dominated the early exchanges with Napoli striker Victor Osimhen denied by the crossbar from Ademola Lookman’s pinpoint cross.
But on the stroke of half-time, Moses Simon turned provider, slipping in Lookman who slotted calmly beyond goalkeeper Guilherme da Costa to give Nigeria the lead.
Angola almost equalised soon after the break when substitute Abrosini Salvador was sent through one-on-one but could only rattle the post with his effort.
The Palancas Negras continued to threaten, but Osimhen looked to have doubled Nigeria’s advantage against the run of play, rising highest to head in Lookman’s cross with 16 minutes left.
But the effort was ruled out bv the referee leaving the final minutes of the match in a high tempo.
The Super Eagles advance to the semi-finals for the 15th time as they continue their bid for a fourth African title.
Angola’s fairy-tale debut run comes to an end, but they can hold their heads high after matching some of the continent’s best teams.
Nigeria will face the winner of Saturday’s quarter-final between Cape Verde and South Africa for a place in the final.
