Club News

Semi Ajayi and Grady Diangana cruise into AFCON quarter-finals

Grady Diangana in home Albion colours.

Albion duo Semi Ajayi and Grady Diangana both played key roles in their nations' AFCON exploits over the weekend, as Nigeria and DR Congo both booked their place in the quarter-finals of the competition.

Ajayi continued his ever-presence in the heart of defence for the Super Eagles on Saturday evening, playing the full 90 minutes in their 2-0 victory over Cameroon.

The Baggies man had a goal chalked off with the game finely poised at 0-0, but a brace from Ademola Lookman secured their passage into the quarter-finals.

Meanwhile, Grady Diangana's DR Congo took on seven-time AFCON champions Egypt on Sunday evening - with the Albion winger making a telling contribution in their penalty shoot-out success.

Semi Ajayi.

Diangana came off the bench in the first half of extra time with the game at 1-1, before coolly slotting home his side's third spot kick of the shoot-out.

His nation eventually earned their place in the quarter-finals after goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi netted in sudden death after the Egyptian goalkeeper's prior effort struck the crossbar.

The Albion duo will be back in action on Friday evening, with Nigeria facing Angola at The Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium (5pm ko), and DR Congo taking on Guinea at the Ebimpé Olympic Stadium (8pm ko).