19 January 2014

SOUTH AFRICA vs NIGERIA: KESHI - Bafana Clash Will Be Massive

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has predicted a big battle between his team and hosts South Africa in Sunday’s final Group A clash at the CHAN.

Nigeria are third in the group with three points and need to win to qualify for the quarterfinals, while South Africa only need a draw to reach the knockout stage.

A draw will also be sufficient for second-placed Mali against bottom team Mozambique, also on Sunday.


The teams last clashed in Durban last year in the Mandela Challenge with Nigeria 2-0 winners courtesy of a brace by Uche Nwofor.

"I expect a great game. South Africa would be South Africa and Nigeria would be Nigeria. The fans will enjoy themselves," promised Keshi ahead of the crunch game.

Keshi disclosed that he may most likely start with the same team who began the Mozambique match, which Nigeria won after a disappointing loss to Mali in their opening game.

"Hopefully, we should be seeing the same squad that started against Mozambique. But I would have to decide that my starting line up by Sunday morning," he said.

Defensive midfielder Ugonna Uzochukwu has recovered in time from an ankle injury he suffered against the Mambas and both Bright Esieme and Shehu Abdullahi are expected to start again after they held their own when they came in for injured Benjamin Francis and Ikenna Paul, respectively.

"Yes, the injured players are coming up real good. Ugonna is back but Hillary and Benjamin are ruled out of this game. But they should be back in the squad as we progress in the tournament," Keshi further said.

The Eagles coach will also downplay the absence of Bafana skipper Itumeleng Khune, who is set to miss the match as a result of injury.

"He is still a part of the team. And I don't think anything would change whether or not he is listed," he maintained.

Kick-off time for the match is 6pm Nigerian time.

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