Three times AFCON winners, Nigeria, is set to clash with One time winner, South Africa in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations on later today in Cote d’Ivoire.
Below are some facts you need to know going into the match:
• This match marks the fourth encounter between Nigeria and South Africa at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, with Nigeria emerging victorious in the previous three matches with a combined score of 8-1.
• The last time Nigeria and South Africa met in the semi-finals was in 2000, where Nigeria secured a 2-0 victory, thanks to a brace from Tijani Babangida.
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• Nigeria will be playing in their record 15th semi-final at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, having progressed from only one of their last six semi-final appearances, winning the competition in South Africa in 2013.
• South Africa, on the other hand, are playing in their fourth semi-final at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations and their first since 2000 when they were defeated by Nigeria.
• South Africa have maintained four consecutive clean sheets in the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time, while Nigeria have won their last four AFCON games without conceding.
• Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen has attempted the most shots (19) at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations but has only scored one goal, underperforming his expected goals tally by a significant margin.
• Nigeria have the highest expected goals tally and the most big chances at AFCON 2023, while South Africa’s Themba Zwane has been directly involved in 50% of their goals in the tournament.
The match promises to be an intriguing encounter between two competitive sides vying for a spot in the final of the prestigious tournament.