- South Africa need just a point to qualify
- Tunisia are in a must win situation
- Mali and Namibia face off in the other match
South Africa face Tunisia in a crucial duel that will have a heavy inclination on who qualifies automatically to the round of 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations from Group E.
South Africa are currently second with three points, while Tunisia are bottom with one and must win to boost their chances.
Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos says his team is ready to tackle the Carthage Eagles and have a bit of a confidence boost from their last match against Namibia which they convincingly won 4-0.
“Our first goal was to achieve the second round and pass the group stages. Our opponent has a slight advantage since they have had a day more to prepare. However, after Sunday’s big victory, we have a boost of energy. The team will be ready,” Broos said ahead of the game.
He added; “We know Tunisia is a great team. We will fight every second for a good result. It will be a very heated game. They are under pressure but the same applies to us because if we lose, it will be a tricky situation.”
Bafana are seeking to make a good mark in their return to African football and the players as well know what is at stake and what is expected of them.
“Everyone is confident and looking forward to tomorrow. We don’t want to go home early. We will try our best to get a good result,” said midfielder Grant Kekana.
South Africa not an easy team, says Tunisia coach
Tunisia players line up before a past match
Tunisia’s head coach Jalel Kadri says his team is up to the task, and will be able to battle for a place in the last 16 when they face South Africa.
The Carthage Eagles are in a must win situation as they have only one point from two matches and need victory at all costs to boost their chances.
Kadri admits as much, but notes his players can handle the pressure.
“We know people are expecting a lot from us. We are in a difficult group and need to play well in order to succeed. We have to start with high concentration in the match. We have several players with experience, but we still need to work hard to get the victory,” the tactician says.
He reckons that Bafana will not be an easy opponent and they have to be at their best throughout the game.
“South Africa has a team of players who have experience on the continent from Mamelodi Sundowns. Tunisia needs to use its strength. They are good offensively and we should be ready for that,” the coach notes.
Striker Seifeddine Jaziri has rallied his teammates to put in their A game as they seek to assure themselves of progression.
“The team performs better when they are in difficult situations. We will take up our responsibility and play well in order to make Tunisians happy,” he stated.
Namibia look to repeat heroics
Namibia players line up before their match against Tunisia. PHOTO/CAF
Elsewhere, Namibia, with three points from their opening day shock 1-0 win over Tunisia, will take on another giant in Group E, Mali.
The Namibians are still reeling from their 4-0 thrashing at the hands of South Africa, and head coach Colin Benjamin will hope his team can give a response and bounce back in a huge way as they stake a claim to a possible place in the last 16.
Namibia are on three points, third in the group, and just a point can be enough to take them through. A win however, will assure them of an automatic last 16 ticket.
“Obviously the defeat to South Africa was not easy to take but we regrouped, looked at our mistakes and are now focused to do well. We know we face a very tough and experienced team in Mali but for us, what is important is what we can give on the pitch,” the tactician said in his pre-match conference.
He adds; “We have the belief and the determination and we want to represent our country in the best way possible.”
Namibia are fourth in the ranking of the best placed number three teams and a defeat might also see them progress but Benjamin has urged his players to go all out for victory and not wait for favours.
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