Bafana Bafana have been the best team in Group G thus far, hence topping the table after five matches. South Africa have only conceded once and kept four clean sheets which is evidence of how serious they are under Hugo Broos.
On Thursday night, Bafana Bafana hosted their neighbours Zimbabwe at the FNB Stadium in their last home game of the group stages, needing nothing but a win. Broos’ young team didn’t disappoint; they rose to the occasion and continued their great form.
All the coaches in the world will tell you that in a six-match round-robin, the aim would be to win all three home games, get one away win and at least one draw, and that’s exactly what our boys have done so far. The 2010 World Cup hosts have won all three of their home ties, drawing away to Zimbabwe and winning in Ethiopia.
After the enticing fixture against the Warriors, South African fans were quick to do calculations and look at the possible permutations on what’s needed for the nation to progress to the play-offs.
Teboho Mokoena's goal secured 3 points for @BafanaBafana to remain at helm of Group G!#WeLoveItHere #AsibuyeliEmuva #WCQ2022 pic.twitter.com/Qdq28innsq
— SABC Sport (@SPORTATSABC) November 12, 2021
For me, the task is simple, no calculations needed. In fact, let’s throw away the infamous “Bafana calculator”, it’s time we rise to the occasion and get the points we need. That should be our mentality going forward.
Bafana Bafana need to avoid defeat to progress, and there is no reason to think these boys aren’t capable of that task against this Ghana team. On Sunday, the boys should play the game of their lives and treat this like a World Cup final. If we are to compete against the world’s best countries, then we need to start putting in world-class performances, starting with the match against Ghana and the two playoff matches should we make it.
With the correct approach and attitude, South Africa have the ability to beat teams like Ghana. Yes, in 2010, the Black Stars were untouchable and were undoubtedly the best team in Africa. However, the current Ghana team is nowhere near that and are definitely beatable we showed earlier in qualifying.
Ghana vs South Africa Preview
The good thing is that they are more of a physical team that relies on their physical strength. The fact that they need a win will mean they have to come at us and that will leave spaces at the back, which will then allow players like Keagan Dolly and Percy Tau to prosper on counter attacks.
If we try playing a physical game, we will be playing to their strengths and they will beat us. Let us go to Ghana, try find those open spaces and catch them for pace on the counter then we will definitely get something because they aren’t the most mobile team.
Chuck away the calculator and let’s get behind the boys.
Back at base and celebrating today’s win! Thank you for the support #SouthAfrica .We do what we do, all for you! Early trip to Ghana tomorrow. Goodnight. #WorldCupQualifiers #BafanaPride pic.twitter.com/YZFb6fFE0W
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) November 11, 2021
