Cape Verde vs South Africa Prediction: Both teams will concede in this crucial encounter

The Africa Cup of Nations, marked by numerous surprises, will conclude its quarter-final stage on Saturday night with a clash between Cape Verde and South Africa. The Blue Sharks have never advanced beyond this stage, while their counterparts aim to secure a spot in the semi-finals for the first time since 2000.

Among the teams still in the competition, only Angola (nine goals) have scored more than Cape Verde's eight goals leading into the quarter-finals. Bubista's team fell slightly behind the Palancas Negras after scoring just one goal against Mauritania in the round of 16. The match was decided by a late Ryan Mendes penalty, with the Blue Sharks converting the 88th-minute spot-kick after Babacar Niasse's foul cost a determined Mauritania side in their inaugural knockout game.

With their success and Egypt's elimination, Cape Verde stands as the only remaining representative from Group B in the finals. As they strive to progress beyond this stage for the first time, it's worth noting that the quarter-finals were the Blue Sharks' limit in 2013 (eliminated by Ghana), and they reached the round of 16 at AFCON 2021 (defeated by eventual champions Senegal). This makes a meeting with South Africa comparatively more favorable than in previous years. Currently, Bubista's team is in excellent form, with their undefeated AFCON 2023 run serving as motivation against any opponent.

Bafana Bafana remains in high spirits following a remarkable 2-0 triumph over Cup of Nations favorites Morocco. Evidence Makgopa's goal put the 1996 champions 1-0 ahead, and Teboho Mokoena's late free-kick secured the victory against a short-handed opposition. Despite conceding a late penalty and relying on a miss from Achraf Hakimi, Hugo Broos's team believes that such fortunate breaks are crucial for a non-favorite to succeed at the continental showpiece.

However, Bafana Bafana holds more experience at this stage compared to their opponents, even though keen observers may highlight their inability to reach the last four since the beginning of the millennium. The South Africans have faced setbacks, exiting at the quarter-finals in the 16-team competition in 2002, 2013 (as hosts), and in 2019 after the expansion to 24 nations.

Cape Verde possible starting lineup:

Vozinha; Moreira, Costa, Lopes, Paulo; Monteiro, Pina, Duarte; Mendes, Bebe, Cabral

South Africa possible starting lineup:

Williams; Mudau, Kekana, Mvala, Modiba; Mokoena, Sithole; Morena, Zwane, Tau; Makgopa

Both teams have displayed exceptional performances to reach this stage, and now it comes down to who can maintain their composure as their underdog status diminishes, and the prospect of true glory becomes attainable. Notably, both sides have demonstrated prowess in scoring goals, and I anticipate this match to be no different.

While the South African team brings experience to the table, and Cape Verde aims to make history by reaching the semi-finals for the first time, considering a draw at full time with South Africa advancing to the semis is another viable option to contemplate.