The quarter-finals of the 2019 Total Africa Cup Of Nations kicks off today with Nigeria’s clash against South Africa the pick of today’s action.
The two sides saw off the challenge of 2017 finalists Egypt and Cameroon in the round of 16. Nigeria came from behind to beat defending champions Cameroon 3-2 in an end-end encounter at the Alexandria Stadium in Egypt.
Meanwhile, South Africa saw off hosts Egypt in what was one of the shocks of the tournament. The Bafana Bafana won the tie courtesy a lone goal from Torch. It also marked South Africa’s first win over Egypt in AFCON competition.
Baxter’s men will go into the match against Nigeria with the aim to get their first win over Nigeria in AFCON history. Although they are unbeaten in the last five matches against their opponents, they have only managed two wins in 13 matches against the Super Eagles.
Ahead of the encounter between the two rivals, Soccernet.ng takes a look at some of the previous matches between them including their two AFCON ties.
Nigeria vs South Africa (AFCON 2000): The Super Eagles are playing in the semifinal of the competition since they won it in 1994 after missing out on the last two editions due to political protest and a ban. After surviving the scare of Senegal in the quarterfinal, the Super Eagles earned a date with South Africa who were the 1996 champions in the semifinal. A Tijani Babangida brace ensured the Super Eagles earn a comfortable victory to progress to the final where they lost to Cameroon.
Nigeria vs South Africa (AFCON 2004): The two sides met again in the 2004 edition at Tunisia and once again it was a comfortable victory for Super Eagles. Nigeria took the lead through Joseph Yobo before Austin Jay Jay Okocha scored the 1000th goal in AFCON history from the penalty spot. A brace from Osaze Odemwingie capped off a fine performance from the Super Eagles.
Nigeria vs South Africa (AFCON Qualifiers 2015): The two side were paired together in the qualifiers for the 2015 edition. After they played a goalless draw in Cape Town, they met in the last group match in Uyo with Nigeria knowing anything other than a victory means they will miss out on qualification.
https://youtu.be/gF7Qhh20_Yk
South Africa who had already qualified at this point didn’t stick to the script as they scored two goals through Tokelo Rantie. Although Nigeria were able to salvage a draw through Sone Aluko’s brace, it wasn’t enough as they missed out on qualification for the second time in the last three editions. ‘
Nigeria vs South Africa ( AFCON 2019 qualifiers): The two sides were once again paired in the same qualifying group and for the first time in a competitive match, South Africa defeated Nigeria.
What makes it more impressive is that it was away from home. Although they were missing some regulars, Nigeria went into the match with full confidence having beaten Algeria comfortably in their last match at home.
However, they were brought down back to earth as goals from Tokelo Rantie secured a famous victory for the Bafana Bafana.
South Africa vs Nigeria ( AFCON 2019 Qualifiers): The two sides met in the return leg a year later at the Soccer City Stadium with Nigeria looking to exact revenge on their host. The Super Eagles got off to a flyer by taking the lead through a South Africa own goal.
https://youtu.be/CmcyOOI7Ecw
However, Bafana Bafana levelled back minutes later through Mothiba following a fine job from Percy Tau. Nigeria had two efforts in the back of the net but was wrongly disallowed. Nevertheless, the point ensured their qualification for Africa’s biggest event for the first time since 2013.
