Focus on Chan semis as Zimbabwe take on Libya while Nigeria entertain Ghana

CAPE TOWN

Kwabena Adusei of Ghana celebrates after scoring a goal against DR Congo during the African Nations Championships.

Zimbabwe and Libya will bid for a spot in the final of the CAF African Nations Championships when they meet for a semi-final clash today evening, kick-off at 6pm.

Ian Gorowa’s Warriors have so far fulfilled their favourites tag bestowed upon them coming into this tournament by making it into the final four of the competition.

Their road to the penultimate match of the Chan tournament has seen them silently, but effectively go about their business, topping Group B ahead of Morocco, Uganda and Burkina Faso to meet Mali in the quarterfinal clash.

It was at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday evening where they convincingly beat Group A’s table toppers Mali to ensure progress into the highly sought after semi-final.

Goals in each half from striker Simba Sithole and the talented midfielder Kuda Mahachi meant the Southern Africans held a two goal advantage from the 55th minute, before a strike by Hamidou Sinayoko one minute from time proved to be merely a consolation goal.

Tight defence

Sinayoko’s effort was the first goal Zimbabwe had conceded all tournament long, placing the Warriors with the best defensive unit in the tournament.

Gorowa’s game has largely been based on tactical discipline and a firm structure, and it has proved rarely impenetrable for opposing teams. The same approach will almost certainly be carried over to the encounter in Bloemfontein where surprise package Libya have quietly enjoyed their time in South Africa.

The Mediterranean Knights booked their passage to this round via a penalty shootout against Gabon in the quarterfinal clash on Sunday evening.

Against all odds

Libya upset the odds taking the lead in the 50th minute when Abdelsalam Omar broke through on goal, only to see the game sent into extra-time after Daniel Cousin handed the Gabonese an equalizer.

Neither side were able break the deadlock as the game finished 1-1 after 120 minutes of action and it was the Libyans who tasted victory, winning the shoot-out 4-2. Confidence in Javier Clemente’s side is at an all-time high and they will be hoping to cause an upset by disposing of an in-form Zimbabwe side.

In the other semi-final clash, former Nigerian manager, Adegboye Onigbinde has said teamwork will decide the outcome of the encounter between two West African foes, Ghana and Nigeria. The two bitter rivals will clash in today’s grudge tie for a place in the final of the bi-annual football showpiece at Free State Stadium.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles had the better of Morocco’s Atlas Lions same as Ghana’s Black Stars against the Leopards of DR Congo in the quarterfinals to pave the way for the titanic clash. Onigbinde said co-operation among - players instead of individual brilliance is the most potent force that wins modern matches.

— Supersport.com