MOROCCO, January- Nigeria defeated Algeria 2-0 to romp into the semi finals of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 on Saturday 10th January.
With their eyes trained on winning the much- coveted continental trophy, the Super Eagles began to fly when they scored the first goal of the match in 47th minute inside the Grande Stade de Marrakesh.
Turkish-based Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen fired up a ferocious strike past Carthage Lions goalkeeper Luca Zidane. This was after he got a fine left cross from Bruno Onyemaechi, taking his goal tally to four in this tourney.
With heightened pressing and holding possession in the North African’s final third, they extended their scoreline in the 57th minute.
Akor Adams rounded the advancing goalie before tapping into the empty net. He had received a sumptuous pass from Osimhen after Alex Iwobi had outwitted the Algeria defense lines.
In the early stages of the match, the Eric Chelle’s charges showed their intent of qualify with a dominant and scintillating display, with Algeria’s Ramy Bensebaini forced to clear from the goal line Calvins Bassey’s strike.
With just goalie Zidane to beat under 18, Adams later missed a glorious chance by blazing over the bar with the fervent green and white army of Nigerian fans urging them on.
The West Africans who came second after being humbled by Ivory Coast Elephants in the 2023 continental showpiece, will set up a mouth-watering clash against the host nation Morocco in Rabat on Wednesday.
The Atlas Lions had brushed off stiff competition from Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions by edging them 2-0 in the other clash of eight.
In the other nail-biting clash of four, the Pharaohs of Egypt defeated defending champions Ivory Coast 3-2 at Stade Adrar, Agadir to book the final semi finals slot against Senegal’s Teranga Lions.
The Pharaohs goals were scored by Omar Marmoush (4), Ramy Rabia (32), Mohammed Salah (52). The Elephants pulled two back through an own goal by Ahmed Fotouh (40) and a G.Doue (73).
The CAF 2025 prize money for the winner has been increased from $7 million (Sh878,500,000) in 2023, to $10 million (Sh1,255,000,000) in 2025, with the losing finalist pocketing $4 million (Sh502,000). The finals of the 35th edition are scheduled to take place on Sunday 18th January at the 68,095 capacity seater Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
romondi99@theeyeswatchmedia.co.ke
