The Super Eagles of Nigeria will be confronted by the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the semi-finals of the ongoing TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte D’Ivoire. The match is set to broadcast live on GOtv on Wednesday.
Following a 1-0 victory over The Palancas Negras of Angola, the Super Eagles advanced to the semi-finals of the competition for a record sixteenth time as they look to advance to the final. The scoreline also means Nigeria has recorded an impressive fourth consecutive clean sheet in the ongoing tournament.
However, manager Jose Peseiro has challenged his forwards to be more clinical with their finish in front of goal. Speaking after the quarter-finals clash with Angola, he said, “Once again we played without conceding and scored a goal, but I would have liked more. The team could have created more opportunities.”
“We are a quality team, Angola was very good, but we had more luck. I remain satisfied with my players but want us to be more efficient,” Peseiro added.
On the other hand, South Africa defeated Cape Verde in a penalty shootout to set up another meeting with Nigeria. Goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams was the hero for Bafana Bafana after he saved four penalties. Tune in to SuperSport Football (ch 61) on Wednesday at 6 pm to watch this match.
The two sides last met in the quarter-finals of AFCON 2019 which Nigeria won 2-1. The Super Eagles have recorded three victories, two draws and a loss against the South Africans.
Also, on Wednesday, host Cote D’Ivoire will continue their fairy-tale ride in the tournament against DR Congo. The Elephants came from behind to defeat Mali 1-2 in extra time in their quarter-final encounter. Tune in SuperSport Football (ch 61) on Wednesday at 9 pm to watch.
Stop gap coach Emerse Fae described his team’s resurgence as a resurrection. “I told the players we were dead after the defeat against Equatorial Guinea, and we were resurrected after the Morocco game with Zambia,” he said. Cote D’Ivoire qualified as one of the four best losers in the group stage and they went ahead to knock out reigning champions Senegal in a penalty shootout.
While their opponent, DR Congo recorded their first victory in the tournament against Guinea in the quarter-final. Head coach, Sébastien Desabre has challenged his team to gun for the ultimate continental prize. “When you reach the semi-finals, you first want to reach the final and if you have the chance to reach the final, you want to win it. We will do everything to have no regrets,” said Desabre.
Modupe Gbadeyanka 
Dipo Olowookere