National Teams
AFCON 2023: South Africa’s Hugo Bross expects different battle against Nigeria

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Head coach of South Africa, Hugo Broos admitted the quality of players in Nigeria’s squad but is expecting a different game in the semi-final from their quarter-final penalty victory over Cape Verde.
Goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams saved four out of five penalties to lift the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winners to a 2-1 triumph on penalties.
The 2017 Afcon winner with Cameroon is eager to achieve the same feat with Bafana Bafana.
“The semi-final match will be different against Nigeria, which has good players like Ademola Lookman,” the Belgian told journalists after the dramatic quarter-final match.
“The players will be in good condition, so we need to rest and recover to start our preparation.”
The Super Eagles under coach Gernot Rohr edged Stuart Baxter’s side when the two teams last met in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2019.
Goals from Samuel Chukwueze and William Troost Ekong ensures that Bongani Zungu’s goal for the Southern African side counted for nothing.
The last semi-final encounter between Nigeria and South Africa ended 2-0 in favour of the West African side in 2000 when Ghana and Nigeria hosted the tournament.
Tijani Babangida scored two spectacular goals to put the Super Eagles through to the final as Cameroon went on to claim the title ahead of Nigeria on penalties.