Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos says his side has nothing to lose when they take on Nigeria in the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday.

South Africa secured their place last four after they defeated Cape Verde 2-1 in a penalty shootout after the game ended goalless after extra time in Yamoussoukro.

Nigeria, meanwhile, booked their semi-final spot after clinching a 1-0 victory over Angola thanks to a goal from Ademola Lookman at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan.

Broos is confident that his side can overcome the Super Eagles when the two sides square off at the Stade de Bouaké on Wednesday.

“Many people in South Africa didn’t believe in this team but we believed, and the players believed in themselves,” Broos stated after the quarter-final win.

“Reaching the semi-finals is great for South African football which has struggled in recent years.

“The semi-final will be tough against Nigeria’s great players but we have nothing to lose now.

“The players will recover and prepare, but staying focused is essential.”

Broos reserved special praise for goalkeeper Ronwen Williams who was the hero in the shootout after saving four penalties to guide his side to victory.

“When you have a keeper who saves four penalties it’s not luck. He was man of the match today,” he added.

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