By Michael Madyira
Bafana Bafana are set to undergo a definitive test of character in their upcoming encounter with Namibia, scheduled for Sunday in their second Group E match of the Africa Cup of Nations at Stade Amadou Gon Coulibaly.
After losing 2-0 to Mali in their tournament opener, South Africa plunged themselves into a difficult position as they anchor the table.
That makes Sunday’s match a must-win encounter if they are to entertain chances of reaching the Afcon knockouts.
But it is likely to be a tricky clash against the confident Brave Warriors who stunned Tunisia 1-0 earlier this week.
“I think the next game against Namibia is a must-win, we have to win it because a result means that our chances are better,” Bafana midfielder Sphephelo Sithole told Safa media.
“So for me, we have to win. For me, we have to win every game.”
A defeat for Bafana will leave them teetering on the brink of Afcon exit while Namibia will join the likes of Senegal and Cape Verde in the next phase of the tournament.
Midfielder Teboho Mokoena is aware they face a litmus test in their neighbours Namibia, worsened by the Mali setback.
“We know what we need to do better and what lies in front of us,” said Mokoena.
“It is not the start that we had wanted or set ourselves up for, but it is the result that we now have to stomach.”
The Brave Warriors have some real threat in Mokoena’s Mamelodi Sundowns teammate Peter Shalulile and Orlando Pirates dangerman Deon Hotto who grabbed the all-important goal against Tunisia.
Bafana have three experienced players who were at the 2019 Afcon in captain Ronwen Williams, Percy Tau and Themba Zwane but the trio did not show up against Mali and attention is on them to see if they can inspire the team.
Also of concern is what looks like a South Africa blunt attack.
Pictured above: Bafana Bafana players going through their paces on Friday under the supervision of coach Hugo Broos.
Image source: Bafana Bafana
