South Korea, Nigeria, DR Congo Advance in AFCON

 South Korea, Nigeria, DR Congo Advance in AFCON

DR Congo's forward #11 Silas (L) fights for the ball with Guinea's defender #3 Issiaga Sylla during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 quarter-final football match between DR Congo and Guinea at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpe, Abidjan on February 2, 2024.(Image-Getty)

In a thrilling match, South Korea staged a remarkable comeback against Australia in the Asian Cup quarter-finals, clinching a 2-1 victory with an extraordinary free-kick from Tottenham Hotspur's Son Heung-min in extra time.

Australia initially took the lead with Craig Goodwin's volley in the 42nd minute, appearing poised for victory until the 6th minute of stoppage time. Wolverhampton Wanderers' Hwang Hee-chan equalized from the penalty spot, extending the game.

In a tense turn of events, Aiden O'Neill of Australia received a red card for a dangerous tackle in the 105th minute following a VAR review.

As the match approached a penalty shootout, Son Heung-min seized the moment, scoring a spectacular free-kick past former Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Mat Ryan, securing South Korea's spot in the semi-finals against Jordan.

Meanwhile, Nigeria secured their semi-final berth in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Ademola Lookman's solitary goal against Angola. Nigeria awaits the winner between Cape Verde and South Africa for their next match.

In another AFCON quarter-final, DR Congo orchestrated a comeback, with Yoane Wissa's penalty leading them to a 3-1 victory over Guinea. Former West Ham United midfielder Arthur Masuaku also found the net. DR Congo now awaits the outcome of Mali versus hosts Ivory Coast for the semi-final clash.

The AFCON final is scheduled for Sunday, February 11th.