Convincing performances by the tournament's big favorites on Sunday set the field for the Africa Cup of Nations semifinals. Ivory Coast defeated a strong Algeria team on the back of a great performance by Wilfried Bony, while Ghana blasted through Guinea virtually uncontested.
Africa Cup of Nations 2015: DR-Congo vs. Ivory Coast, Ghana vs. Equatorial Guinea set for semifinals
Two of Africa’s giants, one of its best up-and-coming teams and the tournament host make up the semifinals. So, par for the course.
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On Saturday, Democratic Republic of the Congo defeated next-door neighbors Congo in dramatic fashion, coming from behind to win 4-2. Congo took a 2-0 lead in the 62nd minute, then proceeded to give up four unanswered goals, with two coming from star striker Dieumerci Mbokani. Later in the day, Equatorial Guinea forced extra time with a phantom stoppage time penalty, then won the game in extra time on a brilliant free kick by Javier Balboa.
The hosts have benefitted from a weak draw and beneficial officiating thus far, but Equatorial Guinea’s miracle run looks likely to come to an end in the semifinals against Ghana. The Black Stars were upset by Senegal in the opening game, but have been arguably the best team in the tournament since. The other semifinal is a bit more even, though Ivory Coast will be favorites against DR-Congo.
Despite establishing themselves as Africa’s two most consistent sides over the last two decades, Ivory Coast and Ghana have not met in the Africa Cup of Nations final since 1992, when Les Elephants came out on top in an epic 12-round penalty shootout to win the tournament.
Schedule
Democratic Republic of the Congo vs. Ivory Coast - Wednesday, 2 p.m. ET
Ghana vs. Equatorial Guinea - Thursday, 2 p.m. ET
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