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Nigeria takes on South Africa in the quarterfinals of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations on July 10, 2019, at the Cairo International Stadium in Cairo, Egypt.
South Africa
South Africa was fortunate to make it out of the group stage as they only finished third in Group D with just one win and two losses. In fact, the South Africans were even the final team that advanced to the knockout stages after the classification of third-placed teams. But in the round of 16, they came up with perhaps the biggest upset of the tournament when they eliminated host Egypt after a 1-0 win.
South Africa only had 37% of ball possession against the hosts but they took advantage when they had their opportunity. Likewise, their defense stood out again and produced a clean sheet. Orlando Pirates striker Thembinkosi Lorch scored the game’s lone goal at the 85th minute to let the South Africans advance to the quarterfinals.
These are the members of South Africa’s 2019 AFCON squad:
- Goalkeepers: Bruce Bvuma (Kaizer Chiefs), Darren Keet (Bidvest Wits), Ronwen Williams (SuperSport Utd)
- Defenders: Sifiso Hlanti, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Buhle Mkhwanazi (all Wits), Daniel Cardoso, Ramahlwe Mphahlele (both Chiefs), Innocent Maela (Orlando Pirates), Thamsanqa Mkhize (Cape Town City)
- Midfielders: Hlompho Kekana, Tiyani Mabunda, Themba Zwane (all Mamelodi Sundowns), Dean Furman (SuperSport), Thembinkosi Lorch (Pirates), Kamohelo Mokotjo (Brentford/ENG), Thulani Serero (Vitesse Arnhem/NED), Bongani Zungu (Amiens/FRA)
- Forwards: Lebogang Maboe, Sibusiso Vilakazi (both Sundowns), Lebo Mothiba (Strasbourg/FRA), Percy Tau (Royal Union St Gilloise/BEL), Lars Veldwijk (Sparta Rotterdam/NED)
Nigeria
On the other hand, Nigeria finished second in Group B behind Madagascar with a record of two wins and one loss. They defeated Burundi and Guinea but dropped a 0-2 contest against the group winners. They advanced to the Round of 16 and were matched up against Cameroon whom they defeated by a score of 3-2.
Nigeria only had 38% of ball possession against Cameroon but they made use of the little time they had with the ball and created more scoring opportunities than their opponents. The Nigerians trailed 1-2 at the half but they showed impressive mettle by scoring two goals in the second half and coming from behind to win 3-2. Odion Ighalo was the star for Nigeria with two goals. Meanwhile, it was Alex Owobi who delivered the winning goal for Nigeria, who enter their next match as the soccer betting favorites.
Here is Nigeria’s XI:
- Goalkeepers: Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs/RSA), Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Katsina Utd), Francis Uzoho (Anorthosis Famagusta/CYP)
- Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina (Torino/ITA), Chidozie Awaziem (Caykur Rizespor/TUR), Leon Balogun (Brighton/ENG), Jamilu Collins (Paderborn/GER), William Ekong (Udinese/ITA), Kenneth Omeruo (Leganes/ESP), Abdullahi Shehu (Bursaspor/TUR)
- Midfielders: Oghenekaro Etebo (Stoke City/ENG), John Obi Mikel (Middlesbrough/ENG), Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City/ENG), John Ogu (Hapoel Be’er Sheva/ISR)
- Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal/ESP), Odion Ighalo (Shanghai Shenhua/CHN), Alex Iwobi (Arsenal/ENG), Samuel Kalu (Bordeaux/FRA), Ahmed Musa (Al Nassr/KSA), Paul Onuachu (Midtjyland/DEN), Henry Onyekuru (Galatasaray/TUR), Victor Osimhen (Royal Charleroi/BEL), Moses Simon (Levante/ESP)
Who Wins?
These teams are evenly matched when it comes to their recent head to head meetings. In their last six matches, both teams have won just once with the other four games ending in a tie. In their last head to head encounter last 11/0/18, these teams figured in a 1-1 draw. South Africa defeated 2-0 during the AFCON qualifiers on 06/10/17.
Nigeria is the higher ranked FIFA team here but their surprise loss to Madagascar in the previous round may be a red flag. On the other hand, South Africa is coming off a huge upset win over the host nation Egypt. But when you look at their overall performance in the 2019 AFCON, it’s Nigeria who has the edge.
Both teams played excellent defense during the group stage. Nigeria didn’t give up a single goal in three matches while South African only conceded two goals in three games. But when it comes to scoring, Nigeria has shown more in this competition. They scored two second-half goals against Cameroon the last time out. South Africa’s offense has produced just two goals in the tournament. I don’t think that’s enough offense to beat Nigeria. Prediction: Nigeria.
Other Bet To Make
Six out of the last seven internationals played by Nigeria had a score under 2.5 goals. Prior to their Round of 16 match where they scored three goals, Nigeria only scored a total of three goals in six matches. On the other hand, eight out of South Africa’s last nine matches have yielded a total score of below 2.5 goals. The last four games played by South Africa had a 1-0 score.
Both these teams have been inconsistent in scoring the ball. Although Nigeria scored three goals to win their Round of 16 match, they were a better defensive unit who allowed zero goals in the group stages. South Africa likewise allowed just two goals in three group stage games. Prediction: If you’re not confident of picking the winner of this match, go with the under 2.5 goals here.
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