Wednesday’s first Africa Cup of Nations semifinal sees South Africa tackle Nigeria in Bouake for a spot in Sunday’s last towards both host nation Ivory Coast or DR Congo. This version has already been memorable with defending champions Senegal and favorites Morocco amongst these to have fallen early in a event stuffed with thrills and spills. Hugo Broos’ South African aspect are arguably the most important remaining underdogs left in competition with the Tremendous Eagles robust favorites forward of this midweek matchup. Who’re Bafana Bafana, then, and the way have they managed to return this far in what has been a wildly unpredictable and thrilling AFCON so far?

Learn how to watch and odds

• Date: Wednesday, Feb. 7 | Time: 12 p.m. ET
• Location: Stade de la Paix — Bouake, Ivory Coast
• TV: beIN Sports activities USA | Stream: Fubo (Attempt without cost)
• Odds: Nigeria -167; Draw +248; South Africa +573

Route thus far

The South African story of this AFCON version began in removed from ultimate circumstances with a 2-0 defeat to Mali in Group E. Nevertheless, within the 4 video games since that opening loss, Broos’ aspect haven’t conceded a aim over 90 minutes nor in additional time. That setback towards the Malians was offset with a 4-0 thrashing of Namibia and a goalless draw with Tunisia which noticed the Eagles of Carthage eradicated as Bafana Bafana completed second to earn a spherical of 16 matchup with 2022 FIFA World Cup success story Morocco. 

South Africa’s 2-0 win over the Atlas Lions was arguably the most important shock of this event thus far which despatched shockwaves by African and world soccer. A goalless draw towards Cape Verde adopted however that was not with out its drama as captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams earned hero standing by saving 4 of the Blue Sharks’ spot kicks in a 2-1 shootout success. 

Nigeria is the subsequent problem for this South African aspect however 4 video games with out conceding and a semifinal berth is already a powerful displaying from Broos’ males who will probably be beneath no strain in contrast with Nigeria.

Pedigree

South Africa’s progress this version is considerably misleading because the nation boasts main pedigree traditionally but that is thought of a largely underdog present workforce as a result of Broos has opted for largely Africa-based gamers. 

Bafana Bafana have been to the semis 3 times earlier than this fourth outing with a 1996 victory, a 1998 last defeat and a 2000 semifinal and eventual third place to look again on. That stated, a run all the way in which to at the very least the ultimate could be an unbelievable achievement for this squad and Broos himself — extra on him shortly.

Star males

Ronwen Williams’ heroics have already been famous after he saved 4 penalties towards Cape Verde however the Mamelodi Sundowns’ man can also be captain and probably the most skilled senior figures. No targets conceded over video games because the opener owes as a lot to a good protection because it does Williams and that’s the place Bafana Bafana’s workforce ethic is available in. Fellow veteran Sundowns teammate Themba Zwane has two targets and one help to his identify to steer the charts statistically however there is no such thing as a one prolific determine by way of wider event statistics and really particular person performances. Belgian tactician Broos deserves a lot credit score and for good purpose — this isn’t his first AFCON rodeo and much from it. He was Cameroon boss when the Indomitable Lions triumphed in 2017 title and he returned to African soccer after his final Oostende posting in his homeland again in 2019.

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Home expertise

Broos’ present group boasts few Europe-based gamers with Percy Tau of Al Ahly in Egypt, Sphephelo Sithole of Tondela in Portugal and Mihlali Mayambela of Aris Limassol in Cyprus the notable exceptions. In any other case, all of those gamers are South Africa-based with 10 from Mamelodi Sundowns out of a 23-man squad. The 13-time South African champions with six straight titles have offered each Williams and Zwane who’re key figures and produce important expertise past their apparent on-field contributions. 

Europeans like Lyle Foster of Burnley and Lebo Mothiba of RC Strasbourg Alsace in addition to Main League Soccer’s Bongokhule Hlongwane of Minnesota United all have greater than 10 caps to their names but should not within the Ivory Coast regardless of being referred to as up over the previous 12 months. Few can argue that Broos has made an error in judgment given how this present outing goes and it might get even higher if the South Africans can edge out Nigeria.