Lwazi Khuboni

Bafana Bafana’s AFCON 2019 campaign continues as they take on their arch-rivals Nigeria on Wednesday evening. 

Bafana stumbled their way into the top 16 when they eliminated the hosts, Egypt to qualify for the Quarter finals. Nigerians also started their campaign slow but seemingly found their confidence back. The 3-2 win against the former champions Cameroon made it possible for the Nigeria- Super Eagles to go through to the quarter finals and will now face South Africa.

It is with no doubt that both teams are oozing with confidence after their previous games. Stuart Baxter’s men surprised many not only by their victory but with the style of playing football they possessed against Egypt. Many South Africans were disappointed about how Bafana played in the group stages losing two games and a not convincing 1-0 victory over their neighbours Namibia.

Bafana fans were surprised how the team bounced back against Egypt and many are convinced they can beat Nigeria.

Bheki Khumalo,  a soccer fanatic expressed his excitement ahead of the game,

“I was honestly surprised by Bafana mostly because we were playing against the hosts but I feel like it worked in our advantage because you could sense the Egyptians expected Bafana to lie down and let them dominate but I never doubted Bafana’s ability because they played well in the qualifiers,” Khumalo said.

“Baxter should play the same way, look for a moment to attack with speed, but be tight and defensively organised”, he added.

History is not on Bafana’s side as they have met on 14 official occasions with the Super Eagles and have won only two of those matches and Nigeria winning seven.

Smiso Msomi said, “I believe we have been better than Nigeria this year. Even with our poor record against them in previous years I believe we are capable of winning and going through to the Semi-finals”.

“A part of me was surprised in the Egypt game because of how the boys performed in the group stages but I know what the team is capable of  and I know how well each individual can perform under the right direction”.

The players have shown the world what they can do against Egypt and they also have the support of the South African Football Association, Soccer Laduma reported that each Bafana player will receive R670 000 if they beat Nigeria and qualify for the semi-finals. For winning the tournament each player will receive R920 000.

This is what some of the fans think:

Zomakahle Jaca said, “I don’t see us beating Nigeria and my problem is the coach, he doesn’t stick to the winning team and he play his favourite players and our defenders are not good.

Syabonga Yaka said, “If Lorch plays we have a chance against the quality players from Nigeria and Baxter must work on the defence and bring on Kekana and Cardoso to deal with Nigeria attack

Picture: Biznisafrica.com