Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-02-06 22:16:23
Nigeria’s Super Eagles will be taking on South Africa in the semi-finals of the AFCON 2023, and they are seen as the clear favorites, having won all three of their previous encounters with South Africa in the tournament. However, South Africa has demonstrated their ability to cause upsets, and there are a few players who could potentially end Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the final.
Percy Tau, who plays for Al Ahly, has proven to be a formidable opponent for the Super Eagles in the past. Tau was part of the Bafana Bafana side that defeated Nigeria in the first leg qualifiers for the 2019 AFCON, and he contributed to their first-ever competitive win against Nigeria. At this year’s tournament, Tau showed his mental strength by converting from the penalty spot in South Africa’s win against Namibia, after initially missing in their loss to Mali.
Ronwen Williams, South Africa’s goalkeeper, has also played a crucial role in their journey to the semi-finals. After a rocky start to the tournament, Williams has kept four consecutive clean sheets and equaled a record set by a South African legend in the 1996 AFCON. His standout performance in the quarter-finals, where he saved four penalties, makes him a formidable opponent for the Eagles.
Midfielder Themba Zwane has contributed to two of South Africa’s six goals in the tournament and has proven himself as a key player with his goal-scoring ability and knack for providing assists. Teboho Mokoena, another midfielder, has been impressive in free kicks, scoring a crucial goal from a set piece against Morocco.
Mothobi Mvala, a defender for South Africa, has been instrumental in keeping their defense impenetrable and will pose a challenge for Nigeria’s forward line.
While Nigeria may be the overwhelming favorites, these five players have the potential to upset their hopes of reaching the final. Nigeria will need to be at their best to overcome these formidable opponents in the semi-finals of the AFCON 2023.
