LUANDA, (Reuters) – Ghana’s new generation continue their bid for the country’s first African Nations Cup title in 28 years when they face a Nigeria side that needs freshening up as the World Cup-bound teams clash in today’s semi-final.
The Black Stars, who are in Angola without several key experienced players, have had to rely on some of their Under-20 world champions to get past the group stage and knock out host nation Angola in the quarter-finals.
Nigeria, on the other hand, are a little weary after needing a penalty shootout to see off unfancied Zambia in the last eight and then having to travel from Lubango to Luanda for the semi-final at the November 11 stadium (1600).
“There will be (a) need to introduce fresh legs,” said Nigeria coach Shaibu Amodu. “Unlike Ghana we went through 120 minutes and penalties on Monday, spent the whole of Tuesday travelling from Lubango to Luanda and we just have to counter that.” Amodu, however, was confident his squad would be up to the task with a few adjustments from Monday’s lineup against Zambia.