JOHANNESBURG — Ghana and Nigeria hope they are headed for a heavyweight clash in the Africa Cup of Nations final but Mali and Burkina Faso could well emerge as the spoilers in today’s semi-finals.
Reuters
For the first time in Nations Cup history, all four semi-finalists are from the west African region and while Ghana and Nigeria have the pedigree, Mali appeared to have the most depth while Burkina Faso proved the surprise package.
Mali and Nigeria meet in the first semifinal in Durban today, followed by the match between Burkina Faso and Ghana in Nelspruit later the same day.
Ghana are seeking to end more than three decades without success at the Nations Cup since their last tournament victory while Nigeria have only won twice before, the last time in 1994.
Both teams have admitted they are in a rebuilding phase, as inexperienced youngsters with bright futures dominate their selection as they seek to use the tournament in South Africa to aim for future success. However, having progressed this far, both countries suddenly have a chance to fulfil potential ahead of schedule and also restore reputations lost in recent times.
Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi is basking in the satisfaction of seeing his controversial selections pay off.
“Somehow, the Nigeria fans don’t appreciate their players. But I know my team, I know their mentality. I know the boys I picked were right, I have confidence in them,” he said.
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Blocking the two heavyweights’ passage to Sunday’s final are two countries with far less resources but peaking on the back of talented crops of players.
Mali’s charge is being led by 33-year-old Seydou Keita and augmented by a team full of players with European league experience, particularly Ligue 1.
They have proven to have a powerful midfield and in Mamadou Samassa, coach Patrice Carteron claims to have the best goalkeeper in the competition.
