Nigeria/Burkina Faso, Ghana/Senegal set for semis showdown

HOME-BASED Eagles will today continue its quest to clinch the ongoing WAFU Cup of Nations coveted trophy as it takes on the Stallions of Burkina Faso in the semi-final at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta.

This is just as the Black Stars of Ghana battles the Terenga Lions of Senegal in the second semi-final match. On its way to topping the Group A table, the Daniel Amokachi-led Eagles devoured the Squirrels of Benin 4-0 in an opener played on Friday, before making a mince meat of Guinea in the encounter that ended 5-0 and, then ensured that it topped the group by thumping Senegal 2-1.

The Eagles would be hoping to maintain its unbeaten run in the tournament as it takes on the Stallions. Ghana, on the other hand, topped the Group B table on Wednesday after a 5-0 whitewash of Burkina Faso, which was hoping to avoid Nigeria in the semi-final, while looking forward to a final place duel. The Black Stars, which had also subdued Liberia and Togo in the group stage, has vowed to stop any team on its way to the trophy on Sunday at the MKO Stadium.

Senegal, which has been tipped as third top contender after Nigeria and Ghana, is capable of upsetting the apple cart when it meets the Blacks Stars in the second game, which kicks off at 5.00p.m prompt. Senegal had defeated Guinea 3-0 in their first game but failed to subdue Benin in an exciting duel that ended in a barren draw.

According to Burkina Faso's coach, Baro Ahmed, though Nigeria is a stronger side, his boys would be ready to give the Amokachi-led team a run for its money and would try their best possible. But should they lose, they want to lose gallantly.