AFCON 2015: West Africa vs Central Africa as Semi-Final Line-Up Defies Expectations
As the dust settles on the quarter-finals of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, four nations remain in contention for the coveted title — and it’s not the quartet many had anticipated.
Pre-tournament favourites such as Algeria, Tunisia, and Senegal — the latter coached by AFCON veteran Alain Giresse — have all crashed out earlier than expected, leaving the door open for a new narrative to emerge.
Now confirmed for the semi-finals are Ivory Coast and Ghana from West Africa, and DR Congo and Equatorial Guinea from Central Africa — a surprising yet compelling mix that sets the stage for a regional showdown.
Ivory Coast cemented their place with a confident 3-1 victory over Algeria, eliminating a team that had topped fan polls and expert predictions alike. The Elephants, who had already sent Cameroon packing in the group stage, are now seen as clear favourites for the title, thanks to their star-studded line-up and resurgent form.
Their semi-final opponents will be DR Congo, who stunned their neighbours Congo with a spirited 4-2 comeback win. The Leopards are proving to be one of the most dynamic sides in the tournament, boasting energy, attacking flair, and resilience in abundance.
On the other side of the bracket, Ghana have shaken off a slow start to deliver commanding performances, including a 3-0 demolition of Guinea in the quarter-finals. With players like André Ayew and Christian Atsu stepping up, the Black Stars are looking increasingly dangerous as they chase a first AFCON crown since 1982.
But standing in their way is Equatorial Guinea, arguably the story of the tournament. The hosts pulled off a sensational 2-1 extra-time win over Tunisia — a match that was as dramatic as it was controversial. Backed by fervent home support and riding a wave of momentum, the Nzalang Nacional are proving that passion and belief can go a long way.
With two teams from Central Africa and two from West Africa remaining, the tournament has reached an intriguing regional deadlock. The prospect of an all-West African final — Ivory Coast vs Ghana — is tantalisingly close. But in a competition filled with surprises, few would dare count out the underdogs.
Equatorial Guinea’s dream run is alive. DR Congo’s firepower is real. Ghana are resurgent. Ivory Coast look ruthless. It’s all to play for.
AFCON 2015 Semi-Final Fixtures:
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Ivory Coast vs DR Congo – Wednesday, 4 February at 19:00 GMT
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Ghana vs Equatorial Guinea – Thursday, 5 February at 19:00 GMT
West or Central Africa — who will rise? The battle lines are drawn.
