Neil Tovey and Mark Williams, pivotal figures in South Africa’s historic Africa Cup of Nations victory, anticipate a challenging encounter against Nigeria in the upcoming semi-final clash.
The highly anticipated match between Bafana Bafana and the Super Eagles is set to take place in Bouake, Ivory Coast, on Wednesday, with a coveted spot in the February 11 final up for grabs.
Despite Nigeria’s favored status, boasting a flawless record against South Africa in previous competitions with three wins, Tovey and Williams remain optimistic about their team’s chances.
Tovey, the former central defender who captained the title-winning 1996 team, emphasized the need for a proactive approach against Nigeria, urging South Africa not to retreat into a defensive strategy.
Williams, reflecting on the team’s cohesion and recent successes, highlighted the importance of South Africa’s solid defense and efficient game management, particularly evident in crucial matches against strong opponents like Morocco.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s formidable lineup, including standout players like Osimhen and Lookman, both Tovey and Williams emphasized the skill and determination of South Africa’s players.
Looking ahead, both legends also predicted a victory for Ivory Coast over the Democratic Republic of Congo in the later semi-final clash in Abidjan