Nigeria and South Africa will reignite the rivalry right this moment on the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké, as each nations attempt to safe a spot within the semi-finals of the continuing Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, PUNCH Sports activities Additional reviews.
Right now's match will mark the fourth time the 2 nations have confronted off on the AFCON, with Nigeria successful all three earlier encounters.
South Africa can be determined to finish its dropping streak towards Nigeria on the AFCON after dropping 2-0 within the semi-finals in 2000, adopted by one other 4-0 defeat in 2004 and being eradicated after a 2-1 defeat within the final eight. in 2019, which underlines the one-sided character of this fixture on the continental showpiece.
With simply two matches away from doubtlessly successful the thirty fourth version of the AFCON, Jose Peseiro is near fulfilling his promise of placing a smile on the faces of Nigerians by successful the long-coveted trophy after the nation gained it for final gained in 2013 underneath the management of the late Stephen Keshi.
“Our purpose is in fact to win the following AFCON, however for that we have now to create the behavior of successful, that’s a very powerful level,” the Portuguese tactician mentioned in 2022.
Nigeria's spectacular AFCON marketing campaign has them one step away from the finals as they appear to win the match for the fourth time, however to take action they need to surpass Bafana Bafana.
The Tremendous Eagles recorded one other win towards Angola with out conceding and recorded their fourth consecutive clear sheet on their option to the final 4. They may hope to proceed their spectacular defensive document after they face Hugo Broos' boys right this moment.
Whereas all eyes had been on Victor Osimhen heading into the match, Ademola Lookman was the shining gentle of the Eagles in Ivory Coast.
The Atalanta man opened his goalscoring account towards Cameroon within the spherical of 16 by scoring a brace earlier than scoring the one purpose of the match within the quarter-finals towards Angola, turning into the fourth Nigerian to attain three or extra targets within the knockout rounds of a single version, along with Odion Ighalo in 2019 (4), Jay-Jay Okocha in 2004 (three) and Rashidi Yekini in 1994 (three).
Lookman's first-half purpose was sufficient to seal a marginal victory and take the three-time African champions to the semi-finals, the place they hope to eradicate South Africa for the correct to play Ivory Coast or Congo on February 11 to play DR.
Whereas Peseiro's males owe their victory over Palancas Negras to Lookman, Bafana Bafana wanted Ronwen Williams at his greatest to beat Cape Verde within the quarter-finals.
The goalkeeper was the undisputed hero within the shootout that adopted 120 minutes with out a purpose, saving 4 penalties to distract from his teammates' incapability to transform their kicks from 12 yards.
Broos' males have up to now benefited from their goalkeeper denying Gilson Tavares' effort in second-half stoppage time, with Mamelodi Sundowns' wonderful shot-stopper forcing an additional half-hour in entrance.
The results of their goalkeeper's brilliance means a primary Cup of Nations semi-final look since 2000, with Bafana Bafana reaching the semi-finals for the third time in a row on the flip of the millennium – winners in 1996, runners-up within the ultimate 1998 and third in 2000.
Just like the Eagles, Broos' boys haven’t made any concessions since their match opener towards Namibia, and the AFCON 2017-winning supervisor isn’t anticipated to alter the backline that has saved opponents out in 4 consecutive video games.
The match is seen because the rise of the underdogs and the Eagles should be cautious of Bafana if they’re to have an opportunity of constructing the finals.
Earlier than right this moment's match, Peseiro mentioned: “We’re doing nicely. With good group and good effort we play collectively as a workforce.
“It is going to be a troublesome match towards nationwide workforce.
“We need to beat South Africa to achieve the ultimate. To try this, we have to play a high-level match towards a South African workforce that defeated Morocco and placed on a improbable World Cup.
“Now we have to play 100% or extra to beat an excellent workforce.”
He added: “I imagine we are able to win this match.
“However in addition they need to win AFCON, similar to us.”
