Blockbuster semi-final on the cards as Afcon renews South Africa-Nigeria rivalry

Robert Marawa catches up on the latest Afcon updates with Andre Arendse, Denis Onyango and Elasto Kapowezha.

Listen below.

All eyes are on South Africa as they take on Nigeria in the first semi-final of this year’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The Super Eagles have yet to lose a game in this year’s tournament, recording two wins and a draw in the group stage before beating Cameroon and Angola in the knockouts.

Bafana Bafana on the other hand have a point to prove with a less than stellar performance in the group stages before beating Morocco 2–0 and Cape Verde on penalties in the knockouts.

With a long-time rivalry between the two sides, Arendse says this blockbuster clash goes beyond just football and Bafana will need to play to their strengths.

“It’s going to be experience [from Nigeria] versus the real sort of grit from the Bafana team that we can see coming through at the moment.”

Andre Arendse, former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper

“I think Bafana’s best football is in possession, that’s what they’re good at. In the last game they created 480 passes with the accuracy of just under 80% so when you have that, it means that Nigeria is going to find it difficult to get hold of the ball.”

Andre Arendse, former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper

This will be South Africa’s first Afcon semi-final in 24 years, while Nigeria has lost five of their last six semifinals.

Onyango says he is not surprised by the team’s performance throughout the tournament.

The country has been waiting a long time for the team to show up.

“The quality has always been there for the boys. They picked up momentum and they managed well through difficulties to get to where they are right now.”

Denis Onyango, goalkeeper – Mamelodi Sundowns

“We are sick and tired of [hearing about] 1996, it’s high time this crop of players go out there. Where they are right now, anything is possible.”

Elasto Kapowezha – Moroka Swallows GM

Watch the discussion below: