CAN 2024: Haller, Lookman, Mokoena... these players who can make the difference in the semi-finals
The semi-finals of CAN 2024 are approaching and the battle promises to be tough between Nigerians, South Africans, Ivorians and Congolese to secure a place in the final of the competition. Focus on the players who could stand out in the final sprint and carry their team to the continental title.
Ivorian striker Sébastien Haller after Ivory Coast's victory against Mali in the quarter-final in Bouaké, February 3, 2024. © AFP / ISSOUF SANOGO
By: Valentin Berg Follow
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Nigeria – Lookman, always on the attack
Who can stop Ademola Lookman? While all eyes were on Victor Osimhen, the number one offensive asset of the Super Eagles, it is his partner in attack who has been the most prolific so far for Nigeria (3 goals in 5 matches) in this
2024 African Cup of Nations
. Lookman waited until the knockout phase to prove decisive at the best moment, first with
a double planted against Cameroon (2-0)
in the eighth then with the
winning goal against Angola (1-0)
in quarter. The Atalanta Bergamo striker is currently the competition's top scorer among the teams still in the running, and he only needs two goals to surpass the tally of Equatorial Guinean Emilio Nsue (5 goals), who has took the door in the round of 16. In any case, he is well on his way to success, as
Osimhen's undermining work on opposing defenses
is valuable and frees up space for him to shine.
We must also not forget the defensive solidity of the Super Eagles and their insurmountable duo Troost-Ekong/Bassey, who greatly participated in their journey until this last four. It's quite simple, Nigeria has the best defense in the competition with only one goal conceded. Faced with South Africa and the speed of their attackers, it will surely not be too much...
Read alsoCAN 2024: Nigeria-South Africa, Ivory Coast-DRC... what you need to know about the semi-finals
South Africa – Mokoena as detonator
This is one of the revelations of this Ivorian edition: in midfield, Teboho Mokoena is doing wonders for South Africa. He was the great architect of
Bafana Bafana's exploit against Morocco (2-0)
during the round of 16 by scoring a masterful free kick at the end of the match and leaving with the man of the match title. He stood out again in the quarter against Cape Verde by putting in a solid performance for 120 minutes. Valuable in recovery and capable of serving his teammates with long balls above the defense, Mokoena will also be a weapon of choice on set pieces as he has already demonstrated. Enough to crack the Nigerian wall?
Not just a freekick, it's an original freekick! 🥅
Teboho Mokoena's shot is obviously your #GoalOfTheDay. 🎯@1xBet_Eng | #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/dxOY7wmmZR
— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 31, 2024
The South Africans will also be able to rely on their goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who signed a
historic performance during the penalty shootout against Cape Verde
by stopping four shots in total. Never before has a goalkeeper achieved such a feat during a major international competition. Enough to gain the advantage by already getting into the heads of your opponents.
Ivory Coast – Haller, the providential man?
Already miraculous several times at this stage of the competition, the Elephants snatched their place in the last four of this CAN 2024 by showing great mental strength and a lot of resilience. But now, the shock against Mali in the quarter-finals has left its mark and Emerse Faé will have to cope without several of his men, including certain executives who will be suspended against the Democratic Republic of Congo such as Serge Aurier, Christian Kouamé and Oumar Diakité.
What better time for Sébastien Haller to lead his team? Arriving diminished in Ivory Coast, the Dortmund striker was unable to take part in the group stage with the Elephants and only made his debut in the round of 16. Result ? Each time, his entry changed the course of the match. He was the passer on the penalty which revived his team against the Lions of Teranga and greatly weighed on the Malian defense in the quarter, notably finding the crossbar with a header in extra time. His athletic presence and skill in the air could make the difference in the area in the semi-final, where the Ivorians have too often been put in check. Simon Adingra, author of the equalizer on the wire against Mali, could also be chosen from the start to compensate for the absences in attack and bring new blood into the Ivorian ranks.
Read alsoCAN 2024: “Haller is the player Ivory Coast needs”
DRC – Mbemba, the strength of example
The Leopards took their time to fully enter the competition, completing a sluggish and unconvincing group stage. On the other hand, they gained momentum from the eighth by
authoritatively dismissing Egypt on penalties
then
dominating Guinea in the quarter
after being behind. And who other than their indestructible captain Chancel Mbemba to embody this new momentum?
The rock of this Congolese team has not been flawless until now but he was able to carry his team to the semi-final. Guilty on the penalty obtained by Mohamed Bayo, the Congolese defender showed his team the way forward by redeeming himself with a superb strike from a tight angle a few minutes later. His strength of character and his authority will be precious for the Leopards, who advance
more united than ever in the last four
. Man of the match against Guinea, Yoane Wissa is also a key element within this Congolese team with two goals scored and often interesting activity on the attacking front. The Brentford player will be one to watch and could unblock the situation in the event of a locked meeting.
Read alsoCalendar, results and rankings of CAN 2024 matches
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