Nigeria and South Africa will face off in AFCON's first semi-final on February 7. Here is how bookies rate their chances to win (odds powered by Yesplay):
Nigeria – 1.58
Draw – 3.39
South Africa – 7.1
Nigeria
Everyone expected Nigeria to attack a lot and score a lot at the AFCON but they did just the opposite. Instead of winning big, they focused on saving energy and shifting to the second gear as soon as the necessary result had been achieved.
Grinding out results could be boring but you can't blame Nigeria considering what is at stake.
There is just one game separating the Super Eagles from the final and they look absolutely confident. Perhaps only bad luck can stop them from going for a title shot.
South Africa
If South Africa failed to get past the group stage, few would be surprised. However, Bafana Bafana managed to qualify for the playoffs and then got to the semi-finals.
The win against Cape Verde in the quarter-finals was really bizarre. Both teams failed to score during 120 mins and then South Africa won on penalties, having netted... twice!
Normally, when a team scores only two penalties in the shootout, that means they lose. However, Bafana Bafana's opponents managed to convert only one spot-kick.
Against Nigeria, South Africa are quite likely to park the bus and hope to get the game to the shootout again.
Nigeria vs South Africa: Facts to know
For the first time in their AFCON history, Nigeria have won four games in a row with zero goals conceded.
Nigeria vs South Africa: Prediction and betting tip
No matter how good South Africa have been so far, their next opponent is much more experienced and much stronger, individually and as a team. Obviously, there is always a chance for a shock upset but enough is enough. Nigeria are simply better and it's time they prove it on the pitch.
Our betting tip: Nigeria (Yesplay odds – 1.58)
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