Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo are both through to the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations being played in Ivory Coast.

On Friday evening in the first quarter-final the Super Eagles beat Angola 1-0 in Abidjan. The deadlock was broken in the 41st minute when Ademola Lookman found the back on the net. Nigeria will face either South Africa or Cape Verde in the semi-finals.

In the second semi-final which was also played in Abidjan, but at Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara, the DRC beat Guinea 3-1, with Chancel Mbemba (penalty) and Arthur Masuaka all scoring goals. Guinea's goal came through an Mohamed Bayo penalty in the 20th minute, which was also the opening score of the game. Guinea will face the winner between Mali and the host Ivory Coast in the last four.

Meanwhile, on Saturday night at 19:00 Mali and the Elephants will go head-to-head at Stade de Bouaké in Bouaké.

The big one kicks off at 22:00 when Bafana Bafana squares up against the tricky and dangerous Cape Verde at Stade de Yamoussoukro in Yamoussoukro.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport