Bafana Bafana, Super Eagles renew rivalry

Lebo Mothiba of South Africa challenged by Themba Zwane of South Africa during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals last 16 match between Egypt and South Africa at Cairo International Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 06 July 2019 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

by BackPageTXT

Tuesday Jul 09, 2019. 17:00

The two nations have faced each other on numerous occasions over the last few years, but for the first time in 15 years Nigeria and South Africa will do battle on Africa's biggest stage.

The two proud countries will come to blows in a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal clash at Cairo International Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Kick-off is at 21h00 CAT.

Bafana Bafana booked their place in the last eight with a shock 1-0 win over hosts Egypt in Cairo on Saturday evening. Thembinkosi Lorch's 85th minute goal sent 80, 000 Pharaohs fans into absolute silence as the 1996 champions marched on.

The Super Eagles caused somewhat of an upset themselves, despite being slight favourites, Nigeria still knocked out the defending champions with a 3-2 win over Cameroon sealed by Arsenal's Alex Iwobi following a brace from Odion Ighalo.

Historically, Nigeria have dominated meetings between the two nations, but South Africa are unbeaten in their last five matches against the West African nation.

Bafana Bafana claimed a surprise 2-0 win in Nigeria two years ago - on route to qualifying for the 2019 tournament - before fighting back to hold the Super Eagles to a 1-1 draw in the most recent meeting between the two nations last year.

Nigeria, though, hold the trump card when it comes to Afcon meetings and notably thumped Bafana Bafana 4-0 at the 2004 tournament hosted in Tunisia, with Peter Odemwingie scoring two goals in two minutes to complete the rout.

The winner will face either Ivory Coast or Algeria for a place in the 2019 Afcon final at the same venue on Sunday.