Semi-final: Nigeria v South Africa - Bafana unexpected rise to last four

Since lifting their first and only TotalEnergies CAF AFCON title in 1996, South Africa have been on a downward spiral that saw them lose their title contender title over the years.

Now under the tutelage of TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2017 winning coach Hugo Broos, a new generation of fighters have emerged in the Bafana Bafana camp.

Coming into the competition as underdogs, Bafana Bafana were drawn in a tricky Group E consisting of Tunisia, Mali and Namibia.

Their opening match, which they started off well ended with a disappointing 2-0 loss to Mali.

They came back stronger in their second match and thrashed neighbours, Namibia by 4-0 before a 0-0 draw against Tunisia saw them finish the group as runners up.

Round of 16 (South Africa 2-0 Morocco)

With a lot of doubt over the heads following their qualification to the round of 16, a stern test awaited the former champions when facing north African giants, Morocco in the round of 16. A tactical masterclass by Hugo Broos saw the youthful Bafana Bafana outclass the star-studded Atlas Lions with a 2-0 scoreline to send shockwaves across the continent.

Quarter-Finals (South Africa (2) 0-0 (1) Cape Verde)

Boosted by their confident win over favourites, Morocco in the round of 16, up next for Bafana Bafana was a clash against the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde who had an impressive run in the competition.

After both sides couldn’t find the back of the net, it then became the Ronwen Williams show as he made history by becoming the first goalkeeper to make four penalty saves in the history of the competition, as Bafana Bafana marched on.

Semi-Finals (Nigeria vs South Africa)

A renewed rivalry sees South Africa preparing to take on old-time foes, Nigeria in the semi-finals. The last time the two-sides met at the competition was in the 2019 quarter-finals in Egypt where the Super Eagles emerged victorious to send South Africa packing with a 2-1 win.

Preceding that, the two sides met in the 2000 edition where Nigeria outclassed the South Africans 2-0 in Uyo.