With the AFCON Semi-Finals ahead, one looks back on the previous round. Numerous goals, officiating controversies, heartbreak, and triumph were on show in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-finals.
They encapsulated quintessential traits of the tournament and why we love it so. Only four matches remain and each of those fixtures carries a direct consequence of who will make history for their country, and who will have to settle for titles of consolation.
Algeria, who many earmarked as favourites before the tournament kicked off, were knocked out by Cote D’Ivoire. Late strikes by Manchester City’s new striker Wilfried Bony and Roma’s Gervinho overwhelmed an Algerian back line that looked out of its depth in the past few weeks. Les Fennecs head back to North Africa a disappointed group, but their experience in Equatorial Guinea will have greatly matured Christian Gourcuff’s young side, as they look forward to hosting the next edition of the Nations Cup in 2017.
Bony and Gervinho are just two of a litany of star Elephants who have assumed their responsibilities when questions have been asked of Herve Renard and his side. The French coach must also be commended for finding a solution to the porous defending his side displayed during AFCON qualifiers.
Cote D’Ivoire were labelled the continent’s worst defence before the tournament began, but since playing a new 3-4-3 formation, they have only shipped three goals in four matches. Cote D’Ivoire are now two matches from a title that has evaded them for the longest time. They are so close, but past failures indicate that there is still some distance to travel before being crowned African champions.
Florent Ibenge triumphed in the ‘Derby of the Congos’. The former AS Vita Club caretaker is the last-standing African coach in the tournament. The Leopards of the Democratic Republic of Congo did not inspire confidence, as they conceded two goals from their western neighbours early in the second half. But a remarkable twenty-minute blitz saw Dieumerci Mbokani and co score four times in quick succession to advance to the final four.
Claude LeRoy’s eighth Cup of Nations, therefore, ended in defeat. His elimination with Congo prompted a ferocious debate on the tendency to handicap local coaches in favour of foreign journeymen looking for another gig. The criticism of LeRoy might be unfounded though. He is one of a few non-Africans who insists on living in the country he works in, and his achievements speak for themselves.
DR Congo now face Cote D’Ivoire, a side they know well having faced off with them in Group D of the AFCON qualifiers. Cote D’Ivoire won the first match in Kinshasa, but DR Congo repaid the favour in Abidjan, winning four-to-three in marvellous fashion.
The Equatorial Guinea versus Tunisia quarter-final was a match that made headlines around the world as officiating controversy gifted Nzalang Nacional a berth in the semi-finals. The Carthage Eagles led 1-0 for 90 minutes until Rajindraparsad Seechurn gifted a non-existent penalty-kick to the hosts, which Javier Balboa dispatched immaculately.
The dubious call was Equatorial Guinea’s second lifeline after they were also given a spot kick against Gabon in the group stages. Nevertheless, it must be stated that Esteban Becker’s side were the better of the two in extra time, while the Tunisians could not recover.
The outrage in Tunisia was palpable at the final whistle and upon the team’s return. The Carthage Eagles are now facing heavy sanctions when the Confederation of African Football (CAF) finish reviewing footage of Tunisian players attacking referee Seechurn.
In Tunis, a small group of a few hundred protested the injustice in the city-centre. President of the Tunisian Football Federation Waddi Jarii resigned from his post on the AFCON organizing committee, while defender Aymen Abdennour wondered how referee Seechurn could sleep at night.
There was no controversy when Ghana beat Guinea 3-0. Surprise Ghanaian inclusion Kwesi Appiah opened the scoring for the Black Stars inside of five minutes and Christian Atsu tripled their lead with a spectacular brace.
Coach Michel Dussuyer announced he would be leaving the Syli Nationale after the loss. The 55 year-old Frenchman becomes this tournament’s second coaching casualty, after Alain Giresse was not retained following Senegal’s first-round exit. The Guineans, who only qualified to the quarter-finals on a drawing of lots, simply could not handle Ghana’s star power, but they will return with their heads held high.
Avram Grant and Ghana progress to the semi-finals where they will undertake the unwanted task of playing Equatorial Guinea, who are riding a high-tide of momentum and support. Emilio Nsue and co have never lost in Bata, and they will be hoping that this trend continues going forward.
Just four matches remain during this edition of the Nations Cup. Of the four teams who are left standing, DR Congo might have the slimmest chances of progressing to the final. Ghana and Cote D’Ivoire are two sides who are considered perennial favourites.
There is a Cinderella story candidate in Equatorial Guinea, who no experts chose as potential finalists. But the beauty of African football is in its unpredictability, and the most beautiful story would be of the hosting minnows winning their first AFCON against all odds.
