South Africa prepare to play their final group stage match against Eswatini after a hard-fought comeback win against Botswana that saw them register their first win of the COSAFA Cup to move top of Group A.
South Africa vs Eswatini
Hollywoodbets COSAFA Cup
Tuesday 11 July – 18:00
Princess Magogo Stadium
The South African men’s football team was required to come back from a goal down for the second game running as they scraped past the Zebras in their second group match of the tournament. Bafana Bafana were able to put the pressure on and were rewarded with two goals in two minutes after Botswana had received a red card.
Bafana Bafana will go into this final fixture against Eswatini full of confidence and a more sense of belief in each other after a great display of determination and togetherness. South Africa and Eswatini have met on five previous occasions with Bafana getting the better of Sihlangu Semnikati on four meetings, leaving them the favourites and on a high pedestal ahead of this encounter.
Coach Morena Ramoreboli and his technical staff have done a great job thus far, getting the boys to find some rhythm and fluidity in their game and getting everybody on board down for the fight. Ramoreboli will demand the same performance and drive from his team as a win would see Bafana Bafana progress to the knockout stages, a step closer to claiming their seventh COSAFA Cup title.
The squad has a good balance of young and experienced players who are working on the same wave length with each other coming into this fixture. Bafana captain Lyle Lakay plays a crucial role in this squad being the vocal point and leader while Thabo Cele, Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Lesedi Kapinga, Iqraam Rayners and Victor Letsoalo are also important pieces to this puzzle who all have incredible talent and ability to lead the boys to victory with the knockout stages well in their grasp.
To Win Match
South Africa 9/20 | Draw 26/10 | Eswatini 6/1
Eswatini were denied a dream start to their campaign as they fell to a 1-0 loss against Botswana in their opening fixture. However, Dominic Kunene’s men bounced back three days later, coming from behind to clinch a 2-1 victory against the Zebras. A victory is a must if they have any hopes of making it to the group stages.
Eswatini are yet to taste victory against Bafana Bafana ahead of this encounter but will be ready to go toe to toe with Bafana after their come-back against Namibia last time out. Eswatini have managed to make it to the final stages of this tournament on many occassions which could be used as motivation to come out and put on a performance that could register their first victory in open time against South Africa
Eswatini have a strong physical approach to the game with a never-say-die attitude which has worked thus far. Kunene has his phylosophy instilled into his players and have been rewarded for their efforts coming into this fixture. Sifiso Matse and Bongwa Matsebula are the latest players to get on the scoresheet and benefit from the hard work put in by the team.
There is no telling how far this squad can go as tournament football has its way of surprising you but one thing for sure is that Bafana Bafana have a game on their hands as Eswatini will come out with a purpose and clear vision on the task at hand with the same determination and aggression but not forgeting to be defensively sound as there is no room for mistakes at this point.
Verdict: South Africa (9/20)
Important fixture for both teams with the knockout stages within reach. South Africa come into this fixture as clear favourites to win the game and progress as Group A winners. We’re backing a win for Morena Ramoreboli’s side.
