Two dramatic come from behind victories sent Congo DR and host Equatorial Guinea through to the AFCON semi-finals as the last eight of the competition commenced in essence today.

Equatorial Guinea have been riding the host nation wave since the tournament began, and a combination of the referee’s favour, a rabid home fan base, and Javier Balboa led them to a 2-1 extra time win over favourites Tunisia.

In the earlier quarter final, DR Congo came from two goals down, with three goals in the last fifteen minutes to dispatch off a wasteful Congo by 4-2.

Tunisia took control of a scrappy game in the 70th minute, when Akaichi hit a sweet shot first time on a cross from the right. The North Africans looked on course for a demoralising victory over the hosts, until Balboa equalised barely a minute from time.

The referee whistled for a penalty, probably the softest penalty decision in the history of the game. But being host has its perks, and Javier Balboa wasted no time in dispatching the kick to send the game into extra time.

The dreadlocked midfielder was not done for the day though; he curled in a stunning free kick from 30 yards within the first half of extra time. Tunisia did not have an answer afterwards, and the hosts held on to make their first African Cup of Nations Semi-Finals.

DR Congo made a stunning fight back to beat Claude Le Roy’s Congo by 4-2 to also book their spot. The Frenchman’s side raced into a 2-0 lead, but things began to unravel when Dieumerci Mbokani pulled one back in the 65th minute.

From there, they scored a further three in the game’s final quarter, winning 4-2 and punishing Congo for their shocking lack of concentration.

They qualified thus, to await the winner of tomorrow’s second quarter final- Cote d’Ivoire vrs Algeria. The host, on the other hand, would take on the winner of the game between Guinea and our very own Black Stars.

That game is on at 1600 GMT tomorrow, Sunday February 1.