Four teams are now set for a make or mar duel as they battle for two finalists in this year tournament.
With the conclusion of the quarter-finals matches on Saturday, the 24 teams that started the tournament have now be whittled down to just four.
In the concluding matches played on Saturday, hosts Cote d’Ivoire came from a goal down to dispatch Mali while South Africa eliminated the stubborn Cape Verde 5-3 on penalties, after a pulsating goalless 120 minutes to advance to the semis.
South Africa celebrating the opening goal
The Super Eagles of Nigeria became the first country to book a spot in the semi-finals with a composed 1-0 victory over the hard fighting Angolans, while DR Congo came from behind to beat Guinea 3-1.
Nigeria, who are now the highest ranked team in the tournament, will lock horns with perennial foe, Bafana Bafana of South Africa on Wednesday at the Stade de la Paix, Bouake by 6pm (Nigerian time).
It will be hosts Cote d’Ivoire against DR Congo at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan in the second semi-final fixture by 9pm (Nigerian time).
Nigeria celebrating their won over Angola
Semi-finals, Wednesday (Feb. 7)1: Nigeria vs South Africa (Stade de la Paix, Bouake, 6pm)2: Cote d’Ivoire vs DR Congo (Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan, 9pm)
Third place play-off, Saturday (Feb. 10)
Loser semi-final 1 vs Loser semi-final 2 (Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan, 9pm)
Final, Sunday (Feb. 11)
Winner semi-final 1 vs Winner semi-final 2 (Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan, 9pm).
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