South Africa FC is looking to inch closer to a possible second title in the Africa Cup of Nations, by winning their semis match against Nigeria FC. These two teams had their own struggles, before they reached the semi-finals of the contest. South Africa won against Cape Verde through penalties during the quarterfinals, after a goalless draw. Additionally, South Africa is considered as dark horses of the contest, as they proved their doubters wrong. Meanwhile, Nigeria had a better journey in the Africa Cup, as they remain to be unbeaten. During the quarterfinals, Nigeria had a 1-0 win again Angola, giving them confidence coming into this match. The meeting between these two teams is on February 8, 2024, at 1:00 AM (GMT+8).
South Africa FC
South Africa is not expected to be compliant opponents in the upcoming Cup of Nations match against Nigeria. The team has already eliminated Morocco in the last 16 and defeated Cape Verde in the quarter-final. Goalkeeper William Williams saved four penalties in a shootout, diverting attention from his teammates. South Africa’s goalkeeper’s brilliance has led to their first semi-final appearance since 2000. Moreover, Bafana Bafana making the semis for a third consecutive edition. It has taken 24 years to reach the semis, and the 1996 champions are keen to outdo Nigeria in their third AFCON final. South Africa has never beaten Nigeria at the Cup of Nations, with previous losses including 2-0 in the semis in 2000, 4-0 in 2004, and a 2-1 loss in 2019, highlighting the one-sided nature of the fixture.
South Africa’s Aubrey Modiba, Grant Kekana, and Mothobi Mvala face potential final risk due to yellow cards against Morocco, with Broos’s men not conceding since tournament opener.
Nigeria FC
Nigeria, led by Jose Peseiro, have shown signs of fatigue in the last eight games, with several players struggling. Alex Iwobi and Victor Osimhen were the most affected, while Frank Onyeka was injured, leading to his withdrawal against Palancas Negras. Ademola Lookman has been the Super Eagles’ shining light at AFCON 2023, scoring his third goal at the finals. The team is now in a record-extending 15th semi-final, with Egypt in close second. The team hopes to eliminate South Africa on Wednesday for the right to face Ivory Coast or Congo DR on the final1. Nigeria’s ambition of featuring in their first final since 2013 could see them continue doggedly in the competition’s first semi-final.
Napoli striker Osimhen’s abdominal discomfort has left fans stunned, with neither Terem Moffi nor Kelechi Iheanacho receiving game time. Peseiro is expected to stick to his 3-4-2-1 formation, with Lookman and Moses Simon supporting Moffi, Iheanacho, or Paul Onuachu.
Prediction:
Nigera FC (1.0)
Odds: -0.93
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