A late first half Ademola Lookman strike sent the Super Eagles of Nigeria through to the semi-finals of 2023 AFCON following a 1-0 win over Angola on Friday, www.aclsports.com reports.
Atalanta forward Lookman scored the game’s only goal in the 41st minute to help Nigeria keep their fourth AFCON title charge alive.
Despite the fitness issues of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, head coach Jose Peseiro named an unchanged XI from the win over Cameroon for the quarterfinal clash at Stade Felix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium.
Straight from kickoff, the Super Eagles attacked with Semi Ajayi going upfront and he nearly got the opening goal if not for some dogged defending from the Palancas Negras. At the other end, Nwabali had to make a quick reaction save after Alfredo’s corner delivery was headed on goal.
It was a game of few chances afterwards as both sides took time to size each other up. However, with just four minutes left before the break, the 2013 champions went in front after some scintillating play.
Alex Iwobi made a quick switch to Zaidu Sanusi who played a lovely ball into the path of Moses Simon, who then beat Jonathan Mananga for pace to set up Lookman for the opening goal and his third goal of the tournament. Just as they did in previous games, the Nigerians went into the break in front.
Super Eagles continued with the same focus and intensity after the break, keeping the Angolans at bay.
However, a sudden lapse in concentration handed the Angolans a chance to level the score, but the upright came to the rescue with Nwabali clearly beaten.
With 15 minutes left to be played, Osimhen thought he had doubled his team’s lead when headed in a freekick from goalscorer Lookman, only for VAR to rule out the goal for offside.
After the disallowed goal, the Angolans started dominating play but could not create any meaningful chance against a well marshalled Eagles backline.
Late on, Nwabali made a smart save to deny Andre Sebastiao from grabbing an equalizer for Angola.
Peseiro’s men held on for another win without conceding to book their return to the AFCON semifinals for the first time since 2019. They will now wait for the winner of the quarterfinal clash between Cape Verde and South Africa in Bouake on Wednesday.
