Ivory Coast and Ghana are each a game away from playing in an Africa Cup of Nations dream final, 20 years after they met for the first time in the decider.
Back in 1992, the two teams were separated only when Anthony Baffoe missed Ghana’s 12th kick in a penalty shoot—out.
But before a rematch can take place, Ghana have to beat Zambia in Wednesday’s semi—final in the Equatorial Guinean town of Bata, while Ivory Coast take on Mali in Libreville the same day.
Ghana’s Black Stars admitted after their 2—1 extra time victory over Tunisia that they were lucky to have progressed, and midfielder Sulley Muntari warned his side should not underestimate Zambia, who comfortably beat Sudan 3—0 in their quarter—final.
“It’s going to be a very difficult game,” the Inter Milan player said. “No one expected Zambia to go that far. They are not just lucky to be in the semi—finals, they play very good football.” Zambian coach Herve Renard, who has not shied away from taking difficult decisions during the competition, like sending home midfielder Clifford Mulenga for breaking the curfew, said they were ready to take on any team.
“It was always our ambition before the start of the tournament to get to the semi—finals of this competition, but now we want to go further,” Renard said.
The last time the Chipolopolo reached the final was in 1994, when a new—look team formed after virtually the entire team was killed in a plane crash less than a year earlier, were popular finalists.
The plane crashed into the sea just 500m from the Gabonese capital of Libreville, where the final of this year’s competition will be played February 12.
Ivory Coast, meanwhile, go into their semi—final against Mali as the clear favourites in what has so far been a smooth passage through the tournament.
They are the only team with four victories out of four and have yet to concede a goal. In the quarter—finals they had no problems in ending co—hosts Equatorial Guinea’s dream run with a 3—0 win.
Ivorian coach Francois Zahoui can call on a whole host of top class players, like Premier League stars Didier Drogba and the Toure brothers Kolo and Yaya.
Kolo Toure says he is hoping that after making three semi—finals in the last four editions of the competition, they would finally be able to win the tournament for the second time.
“It would be great to lift the trophy at the end of the tournament, for me and Yaya to win the African Nations together,” the Manchester City defender said.
Mali won their quarter—final on penalties against co—hosts Gabon, and are showing huge respect for the Elephants, with coach Alain Giresse naming them the “the Brazil of Africa.” “It is a game that we have to approach with some circumspection but we see it as a challenge. We will take it slowly and look to match them in all departments,” the former French international Giresse said.
Defender Cedric Kante said: “We are facing the biggest team in Africa at this moment. They want to win this competition and there is a big story between Ivory Coast and Mali in football.
“Our fans, of course, will be watching us they want us to beat Ivory Coast and we will do everything we can to beat this team. Even if we know that they are strong.”
