Cape Verde and South Africa will contend with each other for a place in the semi-final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024). As these outfits go head-to-head, it'll be fascinating to see how things pan out after 90 minutes.
Cape Verde vs South Africa overview
This quarter-final match will be played on Saturday February 3 at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro. Kick-off time is 9 pm WAT.
Cape Verde
Group B leaders Cape Verde took on Mauritania in the Round of 16, winning by a lone goal. They have never played in the semi-final of this tournament.
The Blue Sharks have a chance to make history as they meet South Africa this weekend.
South Africa
On the other hand, South Africa are coming off a well-deserved victory over Morocco, in a match where they were the underdogs.
Bafana Bafana will fancy their chances of reaching the last four at the expense of Cape Verde.
Cape Verde vs South Africa head to head
These teams squared off against each other five times in the past, and both teams have two wins apiece with a draw between them.
Although South Africa won their first two meetings with Cape Verde, they are without a win in three clashes since then, and have lost their last two meetings.
This will be the second clash between these outfits at the Africa Cup of Nations. They previously met in the Group stages of AFCON 2013.
Cape Verde vs South Africa potential lineups
Bubista will likely use a 4-3-3 formation for this match, with Vozinha starting between the sticks.
On the other hand, South Africa are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Evidence Makgopa leading the attack. The Orlando Pirates player has a goal and an assist to his name.
These are our probable Cape Verde vs South Africa lineups:
Cape Verde
Goalkeeper: Vozinha.
Defenders: João Paulo, Logan Costa, Roberto Lopes, Steven Moreira.
Midfielders: Jamiro Monteiro, Deroy Duarte, Kevin Pina.
Forwards: Jovane Cabral, Ryan Mendes, Bebé.
South Africa
Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams.
Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Mothobi Mvala, Grant Kekana, Aubrey Maphosa Modiba.
Midfielders: Sphephelo Sithole, Themba Zwane, Teboho Mokoena.
Forwards: Evidence Makgopa, Percy Tau, Thapelo Morena.
Cape Verde vs South Africa tactical analysis
So far, Cape Verde have won two and drawn two of four games. This may not seem like an impressive run of results, but it's worth mentioning that they faced teams like Egypt and Ghana in that four-game stretch.
Bubista's men scored eight times in those four matches, keeping two clean sheets in the process.
On the other hand, South Africa's Bafana Bafana have two wins, a draw and a loss in four matches at this tournament.
To be fair, Hugo Broos' men have no losses in their last three matches, and they did not concede any goal in that three-game stretch.
Cape Verde vs South Africa prediction
Although Cape Verde are averaging two goals per game at AFCON 2024, scoring against Bafana Bafana is easier said than done.
As we've mentioned, South Africa have kept three consecutive clean sheets. Taking into account that Cape Verde did not concede in four of their last seven games, we believe that one of these teams will fail to score.
Where to watch Cape Verde vs South Africa live
RTC, Canal+ and AfroSport TV will broadcast this match for fans who reside in Cape Verde.
Meanwhile South Africans can catch all the action live on Supersport and SABC Sport.
