The pressure of Bafana has ramped up significantly following their 2-0 defeat at the hands of Mali. Up next, a tie against Namibia. Ryan Liberty previews.
AFCON 2023
Match 23 – South Africa v Nambia
Sunday 21 January | 22:00
South Africa face Namibia at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium on Sunday night in what is seemingly a perfect game for the inexperienced Bafana Bafana. It is true, Bafana have flattered to deceive at crucial times, but coach Hugo Broos seems content to live by the maxim: we aren’t good all the time, but we are good when it is time!
To Win Match
South Africa 19/20 | Darw 18/10 | Nambia 3/1
I suppose it is fair to suggest that there is a level of expectation for South Africa within the context of this game. This is their 11th AFCON appearance, Bafana Bafana will know this is the game they must win to give themselves a chance at qualifying for the next round.
The nation knows what it’s like to play at the business end of this competition, winning it in 1996, finishing third in 2000 and reaching the final eight in 2019… but given their struggles in front of goal and sometimes lethargic passages of play, they will need to show their mettle come Sunday night!
Given the result on Tuesday night against Mali, South Africa will look at their preparation coming into the tournament and know that just a solitary win in five outings leaves a lot to be desired and will earn their young squad very little acknowledgement – but what a chance they have here.
Namibia are making their fourth AFCON appearance, last qualifying in 2019. Much like their performance against Tunisia, there are parts of their game which is simply not good enough…
Even without looking at Tuesday’s game, they have lost seven of their nine previous games at the competition, they hold the third-worst record for fewest wins at the tournament and concede an average of 2.7 goals a game!
Like Bafana, Namibia do not boast a powerful squad at this year’s tournament. In fact, many have coined them the whipping boys of the group! They’ll take pleasure in turning those quips into inspiration.
Verdict: South Africa 19/20
I know I have been rather aggressive in my prediction, however, surely even a side that really struggles to score should take advantage of a side that concedes over two goals per 90 at AFCON?
South Africa can take a major step toward qualifying with a win here – back the boys!
