AFCON 2023: Nigeria vs South Africa Combined Xi, Ronwen Williams In, Semi Ajayi Out

• South Africa vs Nigeria AFCON semi-final clash is finally here
• The Super Eagles are seeking their fourth AFCON crown
• Bafana Bafana are looking to win their first title since 1996

South Africa vs Nigeria 2023 AFCON semi-final will be settled tonight.

The two teams have not won the AFCON title for a while, and both would love to be on the pitch for the final on Sunday, February 11.

Both sides have done well in Ivory Coast, but who will get into a combined starting 11?

Bafana Bafana and Super Eagles have several standout performers at the tournament. Therefore, picking a combined starting line-up was challenging.

Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, and Teboho Mokoena were obvious picks, but the rest was tough. The 4-2-3-1 formation was used.

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Nigeria vs South Africa combined XI

Defence

Picking a goalkeeper between Stanley Nwabali and Ronwen Williams was not easy. Both have four clean sheets and haven't conceded a goal after the opening match weeks ago.

Williams' incredible penalty saves for South Africa in the quarter-final against Cape Verde gives him a slight edge over Nwabali.

At right back, Khuliso Mudau will start over Ola Aina. Mudau has not put a foot wrong in the knockout stages. Aina has quietly produced consistent performances in every game he's played. he starts at left-back. Calvin Bassey narrowly misses out.

Choosing the centre-back pairing was also difficult. Both sides have incredible central defenders. South Africa's Mothobi Mvala and William-Troost-Ekong will be the pairing at central defence.

Grant Kekana and Semi Ajayi have also been impressive in Ivory Coast.

Midfield

The obvious choice in midfield is Bafana Bafana's Teboho Mokoena. The Mamelodi Sundowns star has been unplayable. He dominated the midfield against Morocco and capped it with a spectacular free-kick. His passing range and combativeness make him an obvious choice.

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Frank Onyeka has won seven tackles in the tournament and has a passing accuracy of 85%. Moreover, he has created three chances for Nigeria. Therefore, he will partner Mokoena at the heart of midfield.

Alex Iwobi is another player who has quietly done his job well. His vision and creativity have been vital for Jose Peseiro's team. He starts just behind the striker.

Ademola Lookman has scored all of Nigeria's goals in the knockout stage. So he starts on the right flank. Moses Simon's pace and directness give him an edge on the left flank over Thapelo Morena.

Attack

Victor Osimhen is the obvious choice for the centre-forward position. His tireless running and selflessness have been vital for Nigeria. He has contributed to all of Nigeria's goals in the tournament.

The Napoli man has also created six chances for his teammates, per Opta Analyst. The 25-year-old has attempted 19 shots and scored just once so far.

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South Africa's Evidence Makgopa has scored one goal but has been a problem for defenders. However, Osimhen edges the Orlando Pirates man.

Nigeria vs South Africa combined XI (4-2-3-2-1): Williams - Mudau, Mvala, Troost-Ekong, Ola Aina - Lookman, Onyeka, Mokoena, Simon, Iwobi - Osimhen.

McCarthy's message to South Africa

Sports Brief earlier reported on Manchester United coach, Benni McCarthy, sending a message to South Africa ahead of their game against Nigeria.

“You’ve made us very proud so far, now go and give it all you got and an AFCON final place awaits you!"

McCarthy is South Africa's record scorer. The former Porto striker won the Golden Boot at the 1998 AFCON.