A first-half goal from Ademola Lookman was enough to help Nigeria overcome Angola 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.
The 1-0 scoreline flattered Angola, who were second best for long periods of the game, and Nigeria striker 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.
Nigeria will now face the winner of Saturday’s quarter-final between Cape Verde and South Africa in the last four next Wednesday.
DR Congo too
In the late match DR Congo came from behind to beat Guinea 3-1 and book their semi-final spot.
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.
The West Africans had little in response after going behind and the result was sealed when Arthur Masuaku’s free-kick from wide on the left caught out Guinea goalkeeper Ibrahim Kone at his near post.
DR Congo had drawn all four of their previous games in Ivory Coast, beating Egypt on penalties in the last 16, and now prepare for a first semi-final outing since the Central Africans finished third in 2015.
Sebastien Desabre’s side will face the winners of Saturday’s quarter-final between Mali and hosts Ivory Coast (17:00 GMT) in the last four on Wednesday.
Credit: CAF
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