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2023 Africa Cup of Nations
Semi-finals
Nigeria v South Africa
Stade de la Paix
Bouake, Ivory Coast
Wednesday, 7 February 2024
Kick-off is at 19h00 CAT
South Africa will go in search of their maiden
Africa Cup of Nations victory over Nigeria in four attempts when they lock horns in the first semi-final at the Stade de la Paix on Wednesday, February 7.
Bafana Bafana have lost all three of their meetings on Africa's biggest stage and were eliminated by the Super Eagles most recently in the quarter-finals of the 2019 edition after suffering a 2-1 defeat.
Hugo Broos' side are brimming with confidence, however, following their 2-1 shootout win over surprise-package Cape Verde in the previous round, which saw goalkeeper Ronwen Williams save four penalties.
The 1996 champions had earlier caused an upset when they dumped title favourites Morocco out of the tournament with a 2-0 success in the round of 16 after recording one win, one draw and one loss in the group stages.
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Nigeria have the joint-best defensive record at the continental showpiece after shipping just one goal in their opening five matches - one less than South Africa.
Jose Peseiro's side edged Angola 1-0 in the quarter-finals, although they should have scored more than just the one goal, having dispatched neighbours Cameroon 2-0 in the last 16.
The three-time AFCON winners finished runners-up in Group A with an unbeaten record, winning two and drawing one to pick up seven points - the joint-second-highest tally behind Senegal's nine.
Peseiro has called on his players to be more creative in the final third after feeling they didn't carve out enough opportunities against Angola last time out.
"Once again we played without conceding, scored a goal, but I would have liked more. The team could have created more opportunities," the Portuguese tactician said.
"We are a quality team, Angola was very good, but we had more luck. I remain satisfied with my players but want us to be more efficient."
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Broos insisted that Bafana Bafana's deep run in the African spectacle stems from the players' self-belief and he wants them to retain their focus in a bid to reach the final for the first time since 1998.
"Many people in South Africa didn't believe in this team but we believed, and the players believed in themselves," the Belgian stated. "Reaching the semi-finals is great for South African football which has struggled in recent years.
"The semi-final will be tough against Nigeria's great players but we have nothing to lose now. The players will recover and prepare, but staying focused is essential."
Nigeria v South Africa Head-to-Head:
Matches - 11
Nigeria wins - 6
South Africa wins - 1
Draws - 4
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