On Saturday, the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Palancas Negras of Angola both emerged victorious in their respective matches, setting up a highly-anticipated quarter-final clash at the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
Angola’s victory came after a challenging game against Namibia, where they were reduced to 10 men early on due to the dismissal of their goalkeeper, Neblu.
However, Gelson Dala’s two goals proved to be the difference as Angola secured their place in the last eight for the first time since 2010.
Mabululu’s well-taken goal in the second half sealed the win and ensured Angola’s progression to the quarter-finals.
Meanwhile, Nigeria overcame a tough challenge from five-time champions, Cameroon.
Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman was the hero for Nigeria, scoring twice in each half to secure a place in the quarter-finals for the three-time champions.
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Lookman’s first goal came in the 36th minute, after Victor Osimhen’s pressure led to an error by Cameroon’s Oumar Gonzalez, allowing Lookman to fire past goalkeeper Fabrice Ondoa.
The second goal was a fantastic volley from Calvin Bassey’s cut-back in the 90th minute, sealing a memorable victory for Nigeria.
Despite the late introduction of Vincent Aboubakar, the top scorer at the 2021 edition of the AFCON tournament, Cameroon failed to register a single shot on target.
The quarter-final clash between Angola and Nigeria is set to take place on Friday, 2nd February, at the Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny in Abidjan.
Fans from both sides will be eagerly anticipating what should be a thrilling encounter between two of Africa’s top footballing nations.
