CAN Recap: Ivory Coast - DR Congo and Nigeria - South Africa, time for the semi-finals

Highlights: Côte d'Ivoire will play DR Congo in the semi-finals of the African Cup of Nations. Nigeria will play South Africa in the other semi-final in Bouaké. Samuel Eto'o faces an internal revolt at Fécafoot. Victor Osimhen will finally be able to play for Nigeria against South Africa. Thapelo Maseko is injured in his adductor muscles and will not play again during this CAN. Ivory Coast will have to do without captain and right back Serge Aurier.

The African Cup enters the home stretch on Wednesday with the semi-finals and two great matches: Nigeria - South Africa in Bouaké then Ivory Coast - DR Congo in Abidjan. Players in shape,…

The program of the day

6 p.m.: Nigeria – South Africa:

our live

9 p.m.: Ivory Coast – DR Congo:

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Read alsoFind the program for the semi-finals

Today's poster: Elephants against Leopards

Virtually eliminated at each round, Côte d'Ivoire draws its strength from its miraculous journey and "is not afraid of anything", promises one of its leaders Seko Fofana, in its race to win "its" African Cup, with a semi-final against DR Congo on Wednesday (9:00 p.m.) in Abidjan.

Find our article on the supernatural journey of Côte d'Ivoire this Wednesday morning.

The player to watch: William Troost-Ekong

At the CAN Nigeria was especially feared because of its excellent attackers, but it is now its defense which impresses, the best in the tournament before the semi-final against South Africa on Wednesday. The boss of this defense is the experienced William Troost-Ekong, a leader who has the same commitment on the field as off, as a fervent defender of the environment.

His portrait: William Troost-Ekong, pillar of Nigeria's defense committed on all grounds

In short

Samuel Eto'o remains:

the Executive Committee of the Cameroonian Football Federation (Fécafoot) has refused the resignation of the president of the institution, the legendary former striker Samuel Eto'o. He presented it after the elimination of the Indomitable Lions in the round of 16. Samuel Eto'o faces an internal revolt at Fécafoot. The ex-Barça star is notably criticized for his authoritarian and interventionist management, but also for suspicions of match-fixing and a personal sponsorship contract with a betting site. His opponents even wrote to Fifa and CAF to complain.

Express recovery for Osimhen:

announced uncertain Monday evening due to "abdominal pain", the star striker from Nigeria will finally be able to play the semi-final against South Africa. Less than 24 hours after an alarmist press release, which said Victor Osimhen was "under close medical supervision", the federation finally declared that he was "in good shape and available", and sent him to Bouaké to join his teammates.

CAN finished for Thapelo Maseko:

South African winger Thapelo Maseko is injured in his adductor muscles and will not be able to play again during this CAN. He will watch his team's last two matches from the stands.

Four suspended for Ivory Coast:

the cards hurt the Elephants, who will have to do without captain and right back Serge Aurier, central defender Odilon Kossounou and attackers Christian Kouamé and Oumar Diakité for the semi-final. All were cautioned against Mali in the quarter-final, with Kossonou and Diakité even being sent off. The latter also suffered from a perfectly avoidable fault: author of the winning goal at the end of extra time, he was penalized with a second yellow for having taken off his jersey while celebrating. But this massacre is not a problem for coach Emerse Faé, who believes that his team is stronger.

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The semi-finals seen by our special correspondents

Romain Houeix and Allaoua Meziani, France 24 special correspondents in Côte d'Ivoire, examine the course of the four selections which will compete in the semi-finals of CAN 2024. If you missed the Facebook live, here is the catch-up session .

Also read: Nigeria, DR Congo, Ivory Coast and South Africa: a throne for four

The video of the day

Our colleagues from InfoMigrants followed the Guinea - DR Congo quarter-final with unaccompanied minors, taken care of in Paris by the Les Midis du Mie association. The CAN allows them to share a friendly moment, and it is a way of letting go of reality, between legal battles and nights on the street.

Today's statement

Sébastien Desabre, coach of the DR Congo:

“It’s a great poster. A match that we are waiting for with calm and patience. It will be an undecided match but also open between these two teams. Yes, Ivory Coast has a squad quality, but we are calm and serene. And it's good to know that we are still making good progress."

Picture of the day

Deadly fighting is raging in Goma, in eastern DR Congo, between the army and the M23 rebel movement. Several players from the DR Congo national team showed their solidarity on social networks, like captain Chancel Mbemba.

A very big thought for all the victims of the atrocities in Goma and their families. I pray with all my heart that my country regains its peace. 🇨🇩❤️ pic.twitter.com/zLpAjaTjXE