AFCON 2023: South Africa Vs. Cape Verde preview
By Ngome Michael
History is in waiting for both South Africa and Cape Verde, ready to clash in a quarter final match at the 2023 African Cup of Nations.
The Islanders have never gone past the last eight in every edition since 2013 while South Africa is poised for a first semi final in 23-years.
Neither Cape Verde nor South Africa were earmarked to be in this quarter final when the vast majority had predicted more Egypt Vs Morocco conversely eliminated by these two.
The Blue Sharks finished top of Group B and are the lone representives from that pool in the tournament. With eight goals scored, Cape Verde has won every match but for their 2-2 draw with Egypt in the lat group game.
Ryan Mendes converted from the spot to qualify Cape Verde for the quarter final, brought down by Babacar Niasse of Mauritania that contested its first ever knockout game. Mendes has four goal contributions, (two goals, two assist).
The last eight was the Blue Sharks’ limit in 2013 (eliminated by Ghana), and it was the round of 16 at AFCON 2021 beaten by eventual champions Senegal.
As it stands, Bubista’s men are in high spirits ahead of the clash with South Africa hoping to extend their unbeaten run.
Similarly, the Bafana Bafana produced a huge shocker when they edged Morocco 2-0 in the round of 16. Goals from Evidence Makgopa and Teboho Mokoena. South Africa is yet to let-in a goal in the last three matches.
Hugo Bross will need this tight defense to help them advance into the semi final given they are more experienced at this stage than opponents, Cape Verde.
No major change is expected from either side, except otherwise as no fitness problems have been recorded in the built-up to this clash.
Bubista welcomed Bebe against Mauritania, ready to pair with Mendes who becomes the first Cape Verdean to score more than once at the Cup of Nations. The starters against the Lions of Chinguetti could be retained.
Themba Zwane involved in 50% of Bafana Bafana goals at this topic has shown alongside Percy Tau and Makgopa their match-winning expertise, adding to Bafana Bafana’s growing confidence.
