Ademola Lookman’s solo striker was enough to help Nigeria overcome Angola 1-0 and reach the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The former England Under-21 winger emphatically converted a cut-back from Moses Simon four minutes before the break in Abidjan in a match that saw Angola have the better of chances. Victor Osimhen had a 75th-minute header ruled out for offside by the video assistant referee (VAR).

Angola’s best chance fell to Zine, who rolled the ball against the base of the post when clean through on goal just before the hour mark. With the win, Nigeria will now face the winner of Saturday’s quarter-final between Cape Verde and South Africa in the last four next Wednesday.

In the other match on Friday, DR Congo came from behind to beat Guinea 3-1 and book a semi-final spot too.

Mohamed Bayo put Guinea ahead with a 20th-minute penalty after the forward was fouled by Chancel Mbemba, who then fired in from a narrow-angle at the other end to equalise seven minutes later.

DR Congo had a penalty of their own in the second half when Julian Jeanvier clipped the legs of Silas and Brentford forward Yoane Wissa converted to give the Leopards the lead with 25 minutes left. Defender Arthur Masuaku’s free-kick from wide on the left caught out Guinea goalkeeper Ibrahim Kone at his near post to kill any hopes of Guinea’s comeback.

With the win, the Sebastien Desabre’s side will face the winners of Saturday’s quarter-final between Mali and hosts Ivory Coast.

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