Bafana Bafana eyeing first AFCON win against Super Eagles
South Africa head coach Hugo Broos believes his team are hungry to succeed as they go in search of their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations victory over Nigeria on Wednesday, February 7 at the Stade de la Paix.
Kick-off is at 7pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)
Current form:
Bafana Bafana have lost all three encounters against the Super Eagles on Africa’s biggest stage, but they are buzzing after beating surprise-package Cape Verde 2-1 on penalties to reach the semifinals.
Broos’ side finished runners-up in Group E on four points as they bounced back from a 2-0 defeat to Mali by thrashing Namibia 4-0 before playing out to a 0-0 draw with Tunisia.
The 1996 champions then stunned tournament favourites Morocco 2-0 in the round of 16 to set up a date with the Blue Sharks in the quarterfinals.
Nigeria emerged from Group A undefeated on seven points after they drew 1-1 with Equatorial Guinea and followed it up with successive 1-0 wins against Ivory Coast and Guinea-Bissau.
Jose Peseiro’s side went on to dispatch Cameroon 2-0 in the last 16 before edging Angola 1-0 in the quarterfinals, which means they have conceded just one goal in their opening five matches.
Team news:
The Super Eagles will be sweating on the fitness of talisman Victor Osimhen after he was carried off on a stretcher late on against the Black Sable Antelopes. Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana must do without Thapelo Maseko, who was forced off against Cape Verde in the 114th minute with a hamstring injury.
What was said:
Nigeria head coach Jose Peseiro
“Once again we played without conceding, scored a goal, but I would have liked more. The team could have created more opportunities.
“We are a quality team, Angola was very good, but we had more luck. I remain satisfied with my players but want us to be more efficient.
“We’re missing some key creators like [Kelechi] Iheanacho and [Joe] Aribo, so it’s been hard. But others must now step up.”
South Africa head coach Hugo Broos
“Our match was not so good. I think we played our worst game of the tournament. We played better against Mali, against Namibia and Tunisia, and also against Morocco.
“But I have said it – it’s not the way you win, it’s that you win. And tonight we won on penalties and we are very happy.
“Let’s hope now that on Wednesday we can make a surprise because now the hunger is big to play the final on Sunday.”
Players to watch:
Nigeria – Ademola Lookman has been one of the standout players for the Super Eagles in Ivory Coast, scoring three goals and providing one assist in five appearances. The Atalanta winger bagged a brace against the Indomitable Lions and timed his run to perfection to lash Moses Simon’s cutback into the back of the net to eliminate Angola.
READ ALSO: Osimhen doubtful for AFCON semifinal
South Africa – Ronwen Williams was the star of the show against the Blue Sharks, tipping Benchimol’s shot onto the crossbar in second half stoppage time before saving four penalties in the shootout to book Bafana Bafana’s place in the last four. The Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper has conceded just two goals and is considered one of the favourites to win the Golden Glove award.
Head-to-Head:
Matches – 11
Nigeria wins – 6
South Africa wins – 1
Draws – 4