Former South Africa player Junior Khanye says he expects Nigeria to defeat Bafana Bafana in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-finals.
The former U-23 star reflected doubts about Bafana Bafana’s chances against Nigeria in the semi-finals clash on Wednesday, February 7.
South Africa needed a penalty shootout victory to get past Cape Verde in the Afcon quarter-finals on Saturday, February 3.
Bafana Bafana won 2-1 in the penalties following a 0-0 draw after extra time with captain Ronwen Williams being the hero of the penalty shootout by saving four out of five penalties.
Khanye further admitted the vital role played by captain Williams on Saturday night.
He predicts that Nigeria will offer a significant challenge, acknowledging that the upcoming match against the Super Eagles will be a wake-up call for the South African team.
However, he claimed that Bafana Bafana’s defensive technique and general performance were lacking in the quarter-final contest.
Speaking about the upcoming clash between South Africa vs Nigeria, Khanye said, "Nigeria is going to beat us, and that’s when we will get a wake-up call. I’m not saying this because I’m being negative, but it’s just me stating facts".
Khanye’s statements echo related feelings from Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, who confessed that the team’s performance against Cape Verde was below expectation. The former Kaizer Chiefs player remains cynical about South Africa’s chances in the tournament.
While Khanye was talking on iDiski TV, he said; "We have to be realistic, we were not at our best".
"We didn’t play well. We could have lost that game. But, luckily, we were very lucky. And listen, I’m saying we were very lucky, but we also need to give to Ronwen Williams".
"He was the star of the show and saved those penalties very well, we have to give credit to him for that. But, when it comes to playing, we were terrible. We were defending too much".
"I think yesterday’s game was our worst at the tournament when I look at the other matches. I don’t think that we were at our best, any team can beat us. Look at the chances that Cape Verde created, it’s all luck".
Khan's further said; "Any of those chances could have easily gone in. But again, we have to say thank you for our defense. They did a very important job despite Cape Verde creating chances. It’s over for us. As I said, we are lucky to be where we are at the moment".
He added; "I love Bafana Bafana, and I want to see them doing well. But, this is our last game, those guys (Nigeria) are going to punish us".
What's next?
With two days of training remaining before the crucial match against Nigeria, Bafana Bafana will need to address their shortcomings to improve their chances in the AFCON campaign.
The semi-final clash is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, in Bouake Stadium.
What's your take on this? Share your thoughts with us in the space provided.
The former U-23 star reflected doubts about Bafana Bafana’s chances against Nigeria in the semi-finals clash on Wednesday, February 7.
South Africa needed a penalty shootout victory to get past Cape Verde in the Afcon quarter-finals on Saturday, February 3.
Bafana Bafana won 2-1 in the penalties following a 0-0 draw after extra time with captain Ronwen Williams being the hero of the penalty shootout by saving four out of five penalties.
Khanye further admitted the vital role played by captain Williams on Saturday night.
He predicts that Nigeria will offer a significant challenge, acknowledging that the upcoming match against the Super Eagles will be a wake-up call for the South African team.
However, he claimed that Bafana Bafana’s defensive technique and general performance were lacking in the quarter-final contest.
Speaking about the upcoming clash between South Africa vs Nigeria, Khanye said, "Nigeria is going to beat us, and that’s when we will get a wake-up call. I’m not saying this because I’m being negative, but it’s just me stating facts".
Khanye’s statements echo related feelings from Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, who confessed that the team’s performance against Cape Verde was below expectation. The former Kaizer Chiefs player remains cynical about South Africa’s chances in the tournament.
While Khanye was talking on iDiski TV, he said; "We have to be realistic, we were not at our best".
"We didn’t play well. We could have lost that game. But, luckily, we were very lucky. And listen, I’m saying we were very lucky, but we also need to give to Ronwen Williams".
"He was the star of the show and saved those penalties very well, we have to give credit to him for that. But, when it comes to playing, we were terrible. We were defending too much".
"I think yesterday’s game was our worst at the tournament when I look at the other matches. I don’t think that we were at our best, any team can beat us. Look at the chances that Cape Verde created, it’s all luck".
Khan's further said; "Any of those chances could have easily gone in. But again, we have to say thank you for our defense. They did a very important job despite Cape Verde creating chances. It’s over for us. As I said, we are lucky to be where we are at the moment".
He added; "I love Bafana Bafana, and I want to see them doing well. But, this is our last game, those guys (Nigeria) are going to punish us".
What's next?
With two days of training remaining before the crucial match against Nigeria, Bafana Bafana will need to address their shortcomings to improve their chances in the AFCON campaign.
The semi-final clash is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, in Bouake Stadium.
What's your take on this? Share your thoughts with us in the space provided.