Neil Tovey and Mark Williams, key figures when South Africa received their lone Africa Cup of Nations title, imagine defeating 2024 semi-finals opponents Nigeria might be “tough”.
Bafana Bafana (The Boys) and the Super Eagles meet within the central Ivory Coast metropolis of Bouake on Wednesday with a spot within the February 11 last on the road.
Nigeria are favourites for a number of causes, together with an ideal previous report in opposition to South Africa within the competitors with three victories.
The west Africans received a 2000 semi-final in Nigeria 2-0, a 2004 group match in Tunisia 4-0 and a 2019 quarter-final in Egypt 2-1 by a late objective from present captain William Troost-Ekong.
But South Africa, whose beginning line-up contains 9 locals, one participant primarily based in Egypt and one other with a Portuguese second division membership, are usually not with out hope, insist Tovey and Williams.
Central defender Tovey captained the 1996 title-winning staff and ahead Williams got here off the bench to attain twice inside two minutes and sink Tunisia 2-0 within the last in Johannesburg.
Victory for Bafana got here one 12 months after the Springboks received the Rugby World Cup and South Africans basked within the sporting successes two years after the collapse of apartheid.
“It is going to be very tough against Nigeria — a final before the final,” Tovey advised AFP in a phone interview from the South African port metropolis of Durban.
“We have suffered many defeats against them, starting with a four-goal mauling in a 1994 World Cup qualifier. More recently, however, the tide has begun to turn.
“What we dare not do in Bouake is retreat right into a defensive shell. That can be enjoying into the palms of the Nigerians.
“South Africa must approach the match in a similar manner to the game against Morocco — defend in depth when necessary but also apply pressure.”
In a match riddled with upsets, one of many largest was South Africa successful 2-0 in opposition to 2022 World Cup semi-finalists Morocco in a last-16 encounter.
Tovey says he’s impressed with South Africa, who’ve reached the Cup of Nations semi-finals for the primary time because the loss to co-hosts Nigeria 24 years in the past.
“They are not trying to be clever — they are well organised and perform the basics well. Every player understands his role.
“Take the essential last group match in opposition to Tunisia, which may have eradicated Bafana had they misplaced. It ended 0-0, however I used to be impressed with our sport administration.”
Johannesburg-based Williams told AFP he was struck by the team spirit of South Africa, who have not conceded in four matches since losing their opener 2-0 to Mali.
“Having eight Mamelodi Sundowns gamers within the beginning lineup helps quite a bit. You can see the gamers know one another very properly.
“When you have a mix of local and foreign-based players there can be initial misunderstandings. Also, (Egypt-based) Percy Tau is a former Sundowns star.
“Make no mistake, it isn’t going to be simple in opposition to Nigeria. They have at all times had extraordinarily skilful gamers and the likes of (Victor) Osimhen and (Ademola) Lookman are persevering with the custom.
“But our boys, although not as well known, are also skilful. Mentality is key — we have to walk on to the pitch believing we are going to win.”
Both Tovey and Williams say the Ivory Coast will overcome the Democratic Republic of Congo within the later semi-final on Wednesday in Abidjan.
dl/ea
Source web site: www.hindustantimes.com
