Match preview AFCON 2023: Nigeria vs South Africa

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

This encounter is undoubtedly the most anticipated in the African of Nations (AFCON) semi-finals. Familiar foes in the Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana will battle it out in the so-called Amapiano derby.

ALSO READ: AFCON: Afrobeats VS Amapiano- which team will dance to the final of the 2023 African Cup of Nations?

News Round the Clock takes a preview of the keenly contested tie ahead on Wednesday night.

Nigeria come into this fixture courtesy of another Ademola Lookman goal against the Angolan national team.

The Jose Peseiro led team continue to put on a show worthy of being crowned champions. The only blemish on their performance so far has been the opening game draw to Equatorial Guinea. 

Since then, the team have gone on to win all their remaining encounters without conceding so far.

Stanley Nwabali stands behind the terrorizing back three while Victor Osimhen leads the charge up front.

South Africa made the semi-final owing to goalkeeper Ronwen Williams’ brilliance in the shoot-out against Cape Verde.

The Supersport united goalie became the first ever to save a penalty in the shoot-outs at Afcon 2023 (picking up 4 against Cape Verde).

Hugo Broos’ team started their tournament with an opening day loss to Mali and have since then rallied to make this final four stage.

The more recent meeting between these sides at the tournament was in the 2019 edition. Samuel Chukwueze and William Troost-Ekong scored either side of Bongani Zungu’s well taken finish to command a win for the Super Eagles.

ALSO READ: Afcon: The survival story of the host, Ivory Coast at Africa’s premier competition

Team News

Alhassan Yusuf who went off injured in Nigeria’s first game is now back in action and featured in the final minutes against Angola.

Victor Osimhen was also stretchered off but looks to be a case of tired legs.

Predicted Lineup- Nwabali; Ajayi, Ekong, Bassey; Aina, Onyeka, Iwobi, Zaidu; Simon, Osimhen, Lookman.

South Africa’s only worry appears to be Thapelo Maseko who went off injured in the extra time against Cape Verde.

Predicted Lineup- Williams; Modiba, Mvala, Kekana, Mudau; Sithole, Mokoena; Tau, Zwane, Morena; Makgopa.

It will come down to whichever side wants it most to triumph in the semi-final tie on Wednesday.