This archive report was first published on 13 July 2019.
Four teams have made it to the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations in Cairo, with Algeria, Nigeria, Senegal, and Tunisia emerging as title contenders. The road to the semi-finals has been filled with thrilling matches and dramatic comebacks.
Algeria's journey began with a 2-0 win over Kenya on June 23, courtesy of goals from Baghdad Bounedjah and Riyad Mahrez. They then defeated Senegal 1-0 on June 27, thanks to a 49th-minute strike from Baghdad Bounedjah. Algeria's next match saw them thrash Tanzania 3-0 on July 1, with goals from Islam Slimani, Adam Ounas, and another from Adam Ounas in the 45th minute.
On July 7, Algeria secured a 3-0 win over Guinea, with goals from Baghdad Bounedjah, Riyad Mahrez, and Adam Ounas. Their final group stage match against the Ivory Coast ended in a 1-1 draw, with Algeria emerging victorious in the penalty shootout, 4-3.
Nigeria's path to the semi-finals began with a 1-0 win over Burundi on June 22, courtesy of a 77th-minute goal from Odion Ighalo. They then defeated Guinea 1-0 on June 26, thanks to a 73rd-minute strike from Kenneth Omeruo. Nigeria's next match saw them edge past Cameroon 3-2 on July 6, with goals from Odion Ighalo, Alex Iwobi, and another from Odion Ighalo. Their final group stage match against South Africa ended in a 2-1 win, with goals from Samuel Chukwueze and William Troost-Ekong.
Senegal's journey to the semi-finals began with a 2-0 win over Tanzania on June 23, courtesy of goals from Sadio Keita and Mbaye Diatta. They then defeated Kenya 3-0 on July 1, thanks to goals from Sadio Mane, Sadio Mane, and another from Sadio Mane in the 78th minute. Senegal's next match saw them secure a 1-0 win over Uganda on July 5, courtesy of a 15th-minute strike from Sadio Mane. Their final group stage match against Benin ended in a 1-0 win, with a 70th-minute goal from Cheick Gueye.
Tunisia's path to the semi-finals began with a 1-1 draw against Angola on June 24, courtesy of a 34th-minute penalty from Youssef Msakni. They then defeated Mali 1-1 on June 28, thanks to a 70th-minute strike from Wahbi Khazri. Tunisia's next match saw them edge past Ghana 1-1 on July 8, with a 73rd-minute goal from Youssef Khenissi, and emerging victorious in the penalty shootout, 5-4. Their final group stage match against Madagascar ended in a 3-0 win, with goals from Ellyes Sassi, Youssef Msakni, and another from Youssef Msakni in the 90th minute.
