'Imagine going to the final' - Bafana Bafana striker Mayambela dreaming of beating Super Eagles 

Bafana Bafana striker Mihlali Mayambela is hoping South Africa can seal their spot in the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations by beating tournament favourites Super Eagles on Wednesday, February 7.

South Africa defied the odds with a 2-0 win over 2022 World Cup semifinals Morocco in the round of 16 and were forced to a goalless draw by Tunisia in the group stage. 

After a poor start that saw them lose 2-0 to Mali in their opener, Bafana Bafana have improved as the tournament progressed and credit has to go to a solid defence that has kept four consecutive clean sheets. 

Mihlali Mayambela - one of the three foreign-based players in the South Africa squad - has been an impact player for Hugo Broos team at the ongoing tournament, making three appearances off the bench. 

Asked if South Africa can reach the final by beating Nigeria,  Mayambela told Lorenz Kohler: "It will mean everything, already being here means everything. Imagine going to the final it will mean a lot to me and my family.

"God has been great for me and I believe also we have the ability to make something great for ourselves and I believe we can do something great for the country and achieve even more. It's a big game."

Heading into the fixture, South Africa are at a disadvantage as they have one less day to recover than Nigeria, having defeated Cape Verde in a grueling contest on Saturday, a day after the Super Eagles advanced to the last four. 

Bafana Bafana will be praying  lightning does not strike twice as they were easily beaten by Nigeria the last time both countries faced off in the semifinals of the Africa Cup of Nations. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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