AFCON 2023 is left with just two games. Host Ivory Coast will battle for glory against the Super Eagles of Nigeria while Bafana Bafana will face the Leopards of DR Congo for 3rd place match.
Here are the four major talking points from the semi-finals
1. Stanley Nwabili is solving Nigeria’s goalkeeping problems
Nigeria has struggled with goalkeepers since Vincent Enyeama retired from the national team in 2015. Daniel Akpeyi Francis Uzoho and Maduka Okoye have been Niageria’s top keepers but none has been as commanding and reliable as Stanley Nwabili. The 27-year-old Chippa United goalkeeper has been great for the Super Eagles throughout the tournament. Many Nigerians doubted their goalkeeping position but Jose Peseiro deserves credit for choosing Nwabili over Uzoho.
Against South Africa, he made a crucial save when Tau assisted Makgopa in the first half whose finesse effort was superbly thwarted to deny Bafana Bafana the opening goal.
Stanley Nwabili made two crucial penalty saves against South Africa as he won the man of the match award in the 4-2 win on penalties in the semi-finals.
2. Khuliso Mudau is a proper right-back
South African DSTV Premiership has enough quality players. You sometimes get shocked to learn that Mvala, Mudau, Mokoena, Kekana, Makgopa and Williams all play in the PSL.
Khuliso Mudau is a modern-day right back who has everything to be a proper right back. The 28-year-old former Black Leopards defender is pacey, can dribble, his crosses are pinpoint, has immense shot power, is fearless and defends extremely well. Khuliso Mudau has played extremely well in the 2023 AFCON and he deserves all the credit and attention he is receiving. His stamina is wonderful as he runs throughout the whole game without getting tired.
3. Sebastien Haller is a classic striker
Jean-Louis Gasset did not think twice about the injured Sebastien Haller in the 2023 AFCON when selecting his final squad. The French tactician Gasset knew Haller was going to miss the group stage but insisted on selecting him. Since his return, he has been very dangerous as his link-up play is extremely exciting. Haller is blessed with the ability to involve those around him in the game as he mastered it when he was in Ajax under Erik Ten Haag. When Ivory Coast needed someone to send them to the finals, it was Sebastien Haller who scored a beautiful goal to send the host to the finals. His presence is always an added advantage for the Ivorians.
4. DR Congo has gone 5 decades without a final in the AFCON
Sebastien Desabre’s Leopards were beaten 1-0 in Abidjan by the host on Wednesday night. The defeat makes it 50 years since DR Congo played in the finals of the AFCON.
DR Congo, then Zaire won their second AFCON title in 1974 by beating Zambia 2-0 in a replay which was hosted by Egypt.
A nation that has produced enough quality players must do better than what DR Congo has been doing for the last 5 decades.
Football is a lovely sport in DR Congo as clubs like TP Mazembe and Vita Club have been doing well in club competitions on the continent but the national team has failed to dazzle in major tournaments.
