The semifinals are games which have everything. A bit of luck, a bit of the spectacular and the presence of pure utter grit. We have ourselves one of the best semifinals in the Afcon in a while now. While Nigeria is set to battle the Algerians in one semifinal, the Senegalese are also set to do battle against Tunisia. In most people’s eyes, it is often considered to be the western part of Africa against the Northern part of the same continent. Who would turn out victorious and head to the final game of the tournament?
Senegal
Senegal has marked out this year and tournament as the year in which they finally land the Afcon title that they have coveted for so many years. They have the players to do just that and they would surely not go down without a fight. They have come a long way in this competition and would be happy they have been able to make this far. With their only loss of the campaign against Algeria in the group stages, it surely is looking good for the Senegalese. They managed to get the better of the Benin Republic who so far was considered to have the fairytale story of the campaign. Now, it is time they do the same to Tunisia.
Tunisians
After their super display against Madagascar, you wouldn't be surprised that the morale of the Tunisians is at an all-time high. Madagascar’s time in the Afcon ended tragically as finally, they were reduced to what we would normally expect from them. Tunisia with that booked a place to the semifinals where they hope to get the better of the Senegalese. It has simply been a long time since the Tunisians got to the final. In fact, the last time they achieved this feat was way back in 2004. It would, therefore, be a momentous time if they can handle the expectations that are flying and beat Senegal here. The form of both teams can attest to the fact that this game would surely not be an easy match, to say the least.
Senegal comes into this game after playing quite well earlier on in this competition. They have lost few games in the last ten matches they have played in and would be considered as good enough to win this game against Tunisia. However, the loss against Algeria earlier on would prove that they are vulnerable to North African opposition and they would surely have to remain alert to the patterns of the North American team.
Tunisia is now really the dark horses of this competition, the only less likely team who wasn't really expected to make a showing at this stage. However, they have played considerably well and deserve all the plaudits which they have gotten. That they would hope to continue against Senegal. Really the heat is one as the two regions are known for the best African football lit up the continent in the penultimate stage of the competition.