Nigeria vs Bafana: Starting XI predictions
Here’s how we predict Nigeria and Bafana Bafana will line up as they go head to head for a place in the AFCON final.
Nigeria and Bafana Bafana lock horns in the AFCON semi-finals tonight. Here’s how both sides could line up.
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NIGERIA VS BAFANA PREDICTED STARTING XIS
NIGERIA
Nwabili; Ajayi, Troost-Ekong, Bassey; Aina, Onyeka, Iwobi, Sanusi; Simon, Lookman; Osimhen.
The Super Eagles will stick to their tried and tested 3-4-2-1 formation with three central defenders and two anchoring midfielders supported by marauding fullbacks. Moses Simon and Ademola Lookman will operate just in behind talisman number 9 Victor Osimhen.
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BAFANA BAFANA
Williams; Mudau, Kekana, Mvala, Modiba; Sithole, Mokoena; Tau, Zwane, Morena; Makgopa.
Hugo Broos has absolutely no reason to change a winning formula so he should stick with the 4-2-3-1 which has served him so well in four consecutive games. He will, however, be deprived of the services of a potential impact substitute with Thapelo Maseko ruled out of the remainder of the tournament.
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GOALKEEPERS COULD BE KEY
Ronwen Williams made history with his penalty-shootout heroics against Cape Verde, saving four spot-kicks to see Bafana through to this stage. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Chippa United keeper Stanley Nwabili (a rumoured target for Kaizer Chiefs), has kept four clean sheets in the tournament. The Super Eagles haven’t conceded since the tournament’s opening day in a 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea. Williams has kept three shutouts for South Africa. Needless to say, a single goal could sway this grand occasion.
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