Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye believes Nigeria will overpower Bafana Bafana when the two teams meet in a semifinal clash on Wednesday.
Khanye, commenting on his role as an analyst at IDiski Times, said Bafana were lucky to have qualified to the semifinals after defeating Cape Verde 2-1 via penalties on Saturday.
Khanye was unimpressed by the historic win, and criticised Bafana for playing defensive football during the game.
“We have to be realistic, we were not at our best. We didn’t play well. We could have lost that game. But, luckily, we were very lucky. And listen, I’m saying we were very lucky, but we also need to give to Ronwen Williams. He was the star of the show and saved those penalties very well, we have to give credit to him for that,” said Khanye.
“But, when it comes to playing, we were terrible. We were defending too much. I think yesterday’s game was our worst at the tournament when I look at the other matches. I don’t think that we were at our best, any team can beat us. Look at the chances that Cape Verde created, it’s all luck. Any of those chances could have easily gone in. But again, we have to say thank you to our defence. They did a very important job despite Cape Verde creating chances.”
Bafana were indebted to goalkeeper Ronwen Williams who saved four penalties during the shootout. Williams also produced a key save to deny Gilson Tavares in second half stoppage time.
Khanye says the Super Eagles will progress to the final of the tournament.
“It’s over for us. As I said, we are lucky to be where we are at the moment. Nigeria is going to beat us, and that’s when we will get a wake-up call. I’m not saying this because I’m being negative, but it’s just me stating facts. I love Bafana Bafana, and I want to see them doing well. But, this is our last game, those guys (Nigeria) are going to punish us.”
