South Africa are confident of ending a depressing record against Nigeria when they clash today in a 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

The Cape Town showdown is a highlight of the 14-fixture matchday 2 schedule along with Cameroon-Ivory Coast in Yaounde and Egypt-Tunisia in Cairo.

South Africa’s forward Tokelo Rantie (C) vies with Angola’s defender Bastos during the South Africa vs Angola Africa Cup of Nations 2013 group A football match yesterday. South Africa won 2.0 .PHOTO: AFP

Reigning African champions Nigeria have won five and drawn one of six matches against South Africa in the World Cup and Cup of Nations.

Not only have Bafana Bafana (The Boys) failed to defeat the Super Eagles, they have not scored even one goal.

The countries made contrasting Group A debuts last weekend with South Africa winning 3-0 in Sudan while Nigeria were stunned 3-2 by visiting Congo Brazzaville.

It was a dream start for new South Africa coach Ephraim ‘Shakes’ Mashaba and a young, much-changed side with Sibusiso Vilakazi scoring twice in the stamina-sapping Omdurman heat.

Nigeria surrendered a 46-match unbeaten home record in Cup of Nations qualifiers and looked a shadow of the team that overcame Burkina Faso 1-0 in the 2013 final to win a third African title.

Mashaba says he has a “gut feel” that South Africa can end the 22-year dominance of Nigeria.

“Wednesday could be a defining moment – it is time to kick this habit of losing to Nigeria,” stressed the 64-year-old promoted last month from national youth team coach.

“Bafana have become a laughing stock and our duty is to restore pride in the national team. Winning in Sudan was the start of a rebuilding process.”

South African Footballer of the Year Vilakazi said the attitude of the players had changed dramatically since Mashaba succeeded sacked Gordon Igesund.

“They are prepared to fight and want to bring pride and happiness to the country. We are aware of our record against Nigeria and need to change it.”

Nigeria caretaker coach Stephen Keshi blamed the Congo defeat on a lack of aggression, playing to the crowd, and slowness to the ball, adding that “now we must go to South Africa and win.”