African Football
Ivory Coast beat DR Congo to set up final with Nigeria at AFCON 2023
Ivory Coast beat DR Congo to set up final with Nigeria at AFCON 2023
Iory Coast clinched a hard-earned 1-0 triumph over DR Congo in the second semifinal showdown of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, setting the stage for an exhilarating final against Nigeria on Sunday.
Sebastien Haller secured the winning goal in the 65th minute, volleying the ball past DR Congo’s goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi after it bounced off the ground.
READ MORE :Nigeria advance to AFCON 2023 final after defeating South Africa on penalties
Despite numerous opportunities, including a missed header and a wide lob, Haller’s decisive strike proved sufficient to secure victory for the host nation.
DR Congo struggled to create significant scoring chances, with Meschack Elia’s volley going wide and Simon Banza’s attempt sailing over the bar during injury time.
The win signals a turnaround for Ivory Coast, which experienced a turbulent journey to the semifinals, including the dismissal of coach Jean-Louis Gasset and relying on late goals to surpass Senegal and Mali.
Interim manager Emerse Fae now has the chance to guide the Elephants to their third continental title, following previous triumphs in 1992 and 2015.
Nigeria, who overcame South Africa 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the first semifinal, will pose a formidable challenge for Ivory Coast in the final encounter.
The Super Eagles boast three AFCON titles, setting the stage for an enthralling showdown with the Elephants.
The final showdown between Ivory Coast and Nigeria is scheduled for Sunday at 20:00 GMT in Abidjan, promising a captivating clash between two African football giants.
Former Black Stars midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has voiced concern over the state of football facilities in Ghana, saying inadequate infrastructure is damaging the game’s attractiveness.
The local league’s appeal over the years has dwindled with many calling for immediate action to be taken to salvage the situation.
Speaking to Kumasi based radio station, Ahenfie FM, he expunge on the poor infrastructure in the country which has reduced the appeal of the Ghana Premier League and football in general.
“The poor infrastructure is making our football less attractive.” he ended
His comments highlight ongoing challenges facing the development of football in the country, from grassroots level to the professional game
The 35-year-old, who earned 78 caps and scored 11 goals for the Black Stars between 2008 and 2017, began his career with local sides Berlin FC and Berekum Arsenal before a loan spell at Asante Kotoko.
He later returned to the Ghana Premier League with Accra Great Olympics in 2022–23 after a long career in Europe.
This week’s Ghana Premier League 2026/27 games produced incredible results across the various game venues.
- Swedru All Blacks 1–0 Asante Kotoko
Scorer: Wiafe/Eric Darkwah (penalty, late). - Hearts of Oak 1–0 Port City FC
Scorer: Frank (Abora) Duku (header). - FC AshantiGold 1–0 FC Samartex
Scorer: Raphael Ankamah
- Bechem United 4–2 Vision FC
Scorers (Bechem): Emmanuel Kobi (39’), Yaw Acheampong (62’), Kofi Tompuo (87’), own goal (stoppage time).
Scorers (Vision): Benjamin Kwarteng (47’), Ruben Quaye (51’). - Berekum Chelsea 3–0 Debibi United
Scorers: Stephen Kwakye, Dramani Awuah, Emmanuel Ofosu. - Bibiani Gold Stars 2–0 Basake Holy Stars
Scorer: Kwame Opoku 2x - Karela United 1–0 Dreams FC
Scorer: Malik Abubakar - Medeama SC 3–1 Heart of Lions
Scorers (Medeama): Emmanuel Annor (28’), Kingsley Braye (64’ and 66’).
– Kofi Mawutodzi Agbadji - Young Apostles 1–0 Aduana FC
Scorer: Samuel Prempeh (penalty, first half).
Hearts head coach Nebojša Kapor has lamented the infrastructure problems in Ghanaian football.
Hearts of Oak secured a crucial 1-0 win over Port City FC at the University of Ghana Stadium on Sunday, ending a three-match winless run in the Ghana Premier League.
Frank Duku’s 20th-minute goal was enough to separate the sides and hand the Phobians three points against the newly promoted outfit.
Despite the win, head coach Nebojša Kapor was left frustrated about the poor state of the Legon pitch.
“This is not our stadium; it’s a national stadium. Ghana football has serious problems with proper pitches,” Kapor said after the match.
The Serbian tactician’s remarks reflect growing frustration among coaches over the quality of playing surfaces across the league.
The Phobias have adopted the University of Ghana as their temporary home venue for the Ghana Premier League.
Hearts of Oak will play Vision FC in the next league game away from home.
Port City FC head coach Ennin Christopher admitted the pain of defeat after his side fell 1-0 to Accra Hearts of Oak in the Ghana Premier League on Sunday.
Frank Abora Duku’s 20th-minute strike proved decisive as the Phobians secured a hard-fought home victory.
Reflecting on the result, Ennin stated his ambitions prior to the game was to win.
“I didn’t come here to draw; I came to win. So, losing is painful, but that’s football,” the Port City coach said.
Before the game, they occupied the 3rd spot on the log and were looking to continue that feat against Hearts tonight.
They will hope to regroup as they face off with Dreams FC in Kukurantumi next week.
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