Summary

CAN 2024: Nigeria gets rid of Angola and goes to the semi-final without straining its talent

In a closed match in the first period, Nigeria finally managed to break the deadlock just before half-time to finally open the doors to the semi-finals wide by beating Angola (1-0) thanks to a new goal from Ademola Lookman.

Nigerian Ademola Lookman after opening the score during the quarter-final between Nigeria and Angola in Abidjan, February 2, 2024. © AFP / FRANCK FIFE

By: Pierre Fesnien Follow

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It was a bit of a surprise team in these quarter-finals of the CAN 2024, the one that we did not expect at this stage of the competition, and yet once again Angola held its place. The best attack of the tournament with nine goals once again showed that it did not owe its place here to chance, but this time it is indeed thanks to its defensive rigor that it gave a hard time in Nigeria to keep him out of his way.

Because it was the unknown that reigned before this match against the Super Eagles. Offensively, the Palancas Negras had already shown their qualities with attackers like Gelson Dala and Mabululu, but faced with the Nigerian offensive armada it is clear that Pedro Goncalves' defenders have long been on par with Victor Osimhen and his teammates.

Read alsoCalendar, results and rankings of CAN 2024 matches

Lookman, him again

In a balanced match and with relatively few chances in the first half. But while we were calmly heading towards a draw before half-time, it was Ademola Lookman who found the fault in the 40th minute of play on the first real successful offensive movement of the Super Eagles. Well served by Moses Simon who dropped his defender on the left side, the Atalanta Bergamo striker, already author of a double against Cameroon and alone at the penalty spot, was able to calmly crucify Signori Antonio, the Angolan goalkeeper replacing the usual holder of the position suspended for this match.

Well in place tactically during the first 45 minutes, the Angolans however marked time upon returning from the locker room against the Nigerians who were much less messy than in the first period. Not resigned for a penny, the Palancas Negras did everything to come back to the score. Often harmless against the serene Super Eagles and sure of their strength behind, the Angolans nevertheless almost succeeded in their attempt when well launched in full depth, the striker Zini, who entered at half-time, hit the post while he was alone against Stanley Nwbali who was largely beaten on this one.

Nigeria not inspired

The rest of the meeting then took place at a false pace, which suited the Nigerians who were visibly aware of their defensive solidity and especially not really inspired offensively, starting with Victor Osimhen, who was clearly less sharp than against Cameroon but still just as valuable for collective. The Naples striker, however, thought he had unlocked his counter by taking a free kick with his head to send it into the Angolan goal, he who has not scored for three matches, but the referee finally signaled him off. -game.

With this victory acquired without straining their talent, the Super Eagles are the first to open the doors to the semi-finals where they will meet the winner of the quarter between Cape Verde and South Africa which will take place this Saturday 3 FEBRUARY. The Angolans, authors of their best result in a CAN, are exiting through the front door against undoubtedly superior opponents. They may, however, harbor some regrets at not seeing that hint of success which could have turned the tide in a match where the Nigerians were never really worried, but which they never really got through either.

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• CAN 2024

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