NGA vs SA Dream11 Team: South Africa look to continue their dream run in the tournament when they take on frontrunners Nigeria today
The quarter-finals of the Africa Cup Of Nations are finally upon us and coming up our way today are two sides who have enjoyed the most flawless runs in the tournament up till now. Both served our way two of the most entertaining round of 16 clashes, two encounters which were filled with dramatic action to seal their progression to this stage.
For South Africa, the 2019 edition of the Africa Cup Of Nations has been one to remember. Although they didn’t massively impress in the group stages, the first knock-out stage saw them pull of one of the most stunning upsets. Bafana Bafana went onto script one of the most improbable results against Egypt as they pummelled the Mohammed Salah lead side to a 1-0 defeat, a result which saw the country erupt in jubilant celebrations.
Elsewhere from the bedlam of AFCON 2019, if South Africa’s result was unfathomable, Nigeria’s 5 goal thriller with Cameroon was just what the tournament needed. Lacking a proper goals galore encounter, this round of 16 match lit the tournament up with a topsy-turvy turn of events that saw the match switch hands several times during the 90 minutes before eventually landing Nigeria’s way.
After taking a 1-0 lead in the 19th minute itself, Nigeria were pegged back in the closing stages of the first half with Cameroon opening the door and forcing themselves right back in the contest. Two goals in 3 minutes saw them head into the break with a 2-1 lead, leaving heavy favourites Nigeria stunned. However they came back strongly in the second half, showing immense fighting spirit to score in the 63rd and 66th minute to take the lead for one final time and shut out Cameroon.
Probable Winner
Now up against each other after two intriguing clashes, both Nigeria and South Africa will be quietly confident of coming out of this with a win. Both the sides will be banking on different gameplans for this match with Nigeria set to regale us in a more attacking brand of the game while South Africa will be looking to keep things tight and composed as ever at the back.
While there is no doubting the incredible spree SA have enjoyed up till now, we see Nigeria being an opponent just too much for them. The identity of a complete attacking unit is what favours Nigeria well and it should see them traverse past SA’s goal today and outscore their opponents.
Goal-Keeper for NGA vs SA Dream11
Given the magnitude of this match and the immense pressure on either side of coming out of this with a win, the likelihood of a cleansheet is extremely unlikely. And going by this script we have opted for South Africa’s Ronwen Williams given the better save percentage he offers and his astute awareness at keeping out shots.
Defenders for NGA vs SA Dream11
We are going to indulge ourselves in the minimum of the three defenders needed to be roped into our side with Kenneth Omeruo becoming the first player who comes into our side for this encounter. His goal scoring expertise and ability to get himself on the back of headers through the free-kicks and corners offer an opportunity to get attacking points as well.
He’s going to be accompanied by Ola Aina while from South Africa we have the lone selection in the form Buhle Mkhwanazi wrapping up this segment of our side.
Midfielders for NGA vs SA Dream11
With the goals expected to come in from either side given Nigeria’s strong attack and their weakness to concede when under pressure as well, we have gone in for all of the attacking options in this facet. Responsible for the consummate success of the side which sees them yet unbeaten in the marquee event, coming in from Nigeria are Ahmed Musa and CDM Wilfred Ndidi.
From South Africa we have opted for Bongani Zungu and Peter Etebo. The two man partnership is going to play a quissential role to South Africa’s performance today, two mainstays of their side on whom the outfit has heavily relied across their four matches.
Strikers for NGA vs SA Dream11
He had failed to be amongst the goals till the round of 16 clash but with the two goals against Cameroon, we have Nigeria’s Odion Ighalo coming. From South Africa meanwhile we have Ebo Mothiba and Thembinkosi Lorch after the two parried together against Egypt to score the only but match winning goal of the encounter.
In what is an otherwise paper thin attacking facet of the side, these two will need to take the onus on themselves once again if Nigeria are to be given a stern test and we envision them doing so.
Captain And Vice-Captain
Peter Etebo is chosen as our captain while coming in from Nigeria is the vice-captain as well in the form of Ighalo.
Match Details
Africa Cup Of Nations 2019
Match: Nigeria Vs South Africa
Date And Time: 10th July, Wednesday- 12:30am IST
Venue: Cairo International Stadium, Cairo
