The Nigerian Tremendous Eagles are in motion on Wednesday after they tackle South Africa within the semi-finals of AFCON 2023.
The Eagles will go into the match as overwhelming favorites because of their excellent document of three wins in three matches on the AFCON in opposition to South Africa.
To attain this, the three-time AFCON winners will must be at their finest as South Africa have proven they’ll trigger an upset.
Forward of the massive assembly in Bouake, listed below are 5 gamers able to ending the Eagles' hopes of reaching a primary closing since 2013.
PERCY TAU
The Al Ahly Star is not any stranger in the case of taking part in in opposition to the Nigerian Tremendous Eagles.
The diminutive playmaker was a part of the Bafana Bafana crew that defeated the Eagles in Uyo within the first leg qualifiers for AFCON 2019.
Tau scored his facet's second objective as they gained 2–0 and recorded their first ever aggressive win in opposition to Nigeria.
Tau additionally offered the help for South Africa's equalizer within the second leg in Johannesburg, which ended 1-1.
Throughout this yr's event, Tau confirmed his psychological power when he transformed from the penalty spot in South Africa's 4-0 win in opposition to neighbors Namibia.
He had initially missed from the spot after firing his effort over the bar in his crew's 2-0 defeat to Mali.
So if there’s one participant who deserves a variety of consideration, it’s undoubtedly Tau as he has proven what he’s able to in earlier encounters in opposition to Nigeria.
Yamoussoukro, COTE D IVOiRE – FEBRUARY 3 South Africa through the TotalEnergies Caf Africa Cup of Nations Afcon 2023 match between Cape Verde and South Africa at Stade Charles Konan Banny Stadium on February 3, 2024 in Yamoussoukro, Ivore. Photograph by Segun Ogunfeyitimi Copyright: xxNo Use Switzerland. No use Germany. No use Japan. No use Austria
RONWEN WILLEMS
If there’s one one who has contributed immensely to South Africa's participation within the semi-finals, it’s their goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams.
After an unimpressive begin to this yr's AFCON the place they misplaced 2-0 to Mali, Williams was magical in objectives as they stored 4 clear sheets in a row.
He equaled South African legend Andre Arendse's document of 4 clear sheets on the 1996 AFCON on dwelling soil.
He could possibly be described because the standout within the quarter-final because of his brilliance in Bafana Bafana's victory over Cape Verde.
He has produced one of many highlights of the event and likewise in AFCON historical past thus far after saving 4 penalties as South Africa triumphed 2-1 from the spot.
The Eagles have ambitions of reaching a primary AFCON since 2013, however will must be at their finest offensively in opposition to Williams, who could possibly be the impediment for the crew to attain their objective.
TRUST ZWANE
The midfielder has contributed to 2 of his nation's six objectives thus far in Ivory Coast in opposition to Namibia.
In addition to getting on the scoresheet, Themba Zwane has confirmed that he additionally has a watch for excellent passing, which was evident within the spherical of 16 victory in opposition to Morocco.
It was his good protection, break up by a cross, that arrange Proof Makgopa for the opener in opposition to Morocco as South Africa gained 2-0.
Zwane has additionally seen motion throughout coach Hugo Broos' squad, demonstrating his significance and contributions to the crew's success thus far.
No Eagles midfielder can boast a objective or an help, as Zwane has proven that in him Bafana has somebody who may be between the objectives and likewise present an help.
TEBOHO MOKEENA
Mokoena featured in all South African matches at AFCON 2023 and was spectacular.
His performances for Bafana Bafana are testomony to the truth that the Eagles have themselves guilty in the event that they underestimate their semi-final foes.
What’s crucial for the Eagles to know is that South Africa has somebody in Mokoena who can wreak havoc, particularly with free kicks.
Mokoena confirmed what he’s able to after scoring from a free kick in opposition to Morocco, a feat that greats resembling David Beckham, Ronaldinho, Zinedine Zidane and Hristo Stoichkov could be pleased with.
He made it 2-0 after sending his effort over the Moroccan wall to beat Africa's finest goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
If the Eagles wish to obtain their dream of reaching the AFCON finals once more, they should be cautious to not give away low-cost free-kicks as Mokoena may make them pay dearly for it.
COLOR PAINTER
Regardless of goalkeeper Ronwen Williams getting many of the plaudits for his heroics in Bafana's objective, one participant who can’t be neglected is his defender Mothobi Mvala.
Mvala is without doubt one of the fundamental the reason why Bafana has been impenetrable as he has completed a incredible job of serving to his crew management assaults.
A bodily and imposing defender, the Tremendous Eagles ahead will must be at his finest in the event that they hope to get on the scoresheet as Mvala has proven himself to be unfazed in the case of defending in opposition to a few of Africa's finest attackers.
