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Johannesburg - Ahead of their last 2015 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying game, former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana defender Fabian McCarthy believes it is up to the national team players to end Nigeria’s dominance over them when they meet this week.
Bafana and the Super Eagles will renew their rivalry at the newly built Uyo International Stadium on Wednesday night.
Since their first meeting in 1992, Bafana are yet to record a victory over the 2013 AFCON winners in a competitive encounter, but the Vryburg-born hard tackler is optimistic that Shakes Mashaba's charges will bring Nigeria’s dominance to an end in their own backyard.
“The hoodoo can be broken; I have no doubt about that,” said McCarthy.
“But it’s all up to the players to do that.
“Yes we have qualified for the 2015 AFCON already, but we still want to beat Nigeria in a competitive match.
“It would be a good thing if we can beat them in their own backyard.
“It won’t be easy but I’m hopeful we’ll come back home with a win.”
Bafana’s only triumph over Nigeria came in a friendly match at Ellis Park back in 2004, when Bafana won 2-0 thanks to goals from Shaun Bartlett and Benedict Vilakazi.
The two sides played to a goalless stalemate in their last clash at the Cape Town Stadium two months ago.
Kick-off for Wednesday’s clash is scheduled for 19:00 (SA time).
