Can Bafana’s defence deal with Nigeria’s Osimhen and Lookman?
Bafana Bafana and the Super Eagles have played three matches between them in the competition with Nigeria winning all three.
Bafana Bafana and Nigeria renew their rivalry once more in Africa’s biggest football stage, the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).
Two teams will meet in the semi-final on Wednesday.
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Nigeria booked their place in the last four after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Angola thanks to Ademola Lookman’s goal just before half-time. The Super Eagles have been the team to beat this tournament scoring at every match and only conceding once and that was in their opening game.
BAFANA AND NIGERIA GO TOE-TO-TOE ONCE AGAIN
After favourites Senegal and Morocco were eliminated in the round of 16, Nigeria are clear favourites to win the Afcon, with Ivory Coast also tipped to win it should they play in the final in front of their home crowd.
Bafana on the other hand, secured passage to the semi-finals for the first time since 2000 following a penalty shootout victory over Cape Verde. South African captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was the hero, saving four spot kicks.
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Having passed the Morcoccan test, Hugo Broos’ men were expected to beat the Blue Sharks but the Blue Sharks had the better chances and should have won it during injury time but Williams denied Gilson Benchimol with an incredible reaction save to push the Blue Sharks forward’s effort on to the bar.
Against Nigeria, Bafana needs to be sharp and not make mistakes. On paper, the Super Eagles have better players and are more equipped than their opponents and are favourites to beat South Africa.
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History favours Nigeria as the Super Eagles have not lost to Bafana in their previous Afcon three meeetings, in fact, the West African giants won all the three matches.
In-form Ademola Lookman has been doing damage in this year’s Afcon and should fancy his chances against the centre pairing of Mothobi Mvala and Grant Kekana.
Another key player that Bafana should be wary of is Victor Osimhen. The 25-year-old Nigerian is one of the best strikers in the world and any half chance that he’s given, he will slot it in the back of the net.
Nigeria may have the edge but if Bafana play their best football, they definitely will surprise the Super Eagles.