All you need to know about Bafana Bafana’s group-stage matches
Bafana Bafana’s quest for continental glory at the upcoming AFCON got a whole lot tougher after they were drawn into Group E alongside Tunisia, Mali, and Namibia.
The tournament will take place in Ivory Coast from January 13 to February 11, 2024, with high-stakes matches set to unfold across five Ivorian cities: Abidjan, Bouake, Korhogo, San Pedro, and Yamoussoukro.
Group E promises to be a fierce battleground, with Tunisia boasting the highest FIFA ranking amongst African teams [28th globally] and Mali not far behind in 9th place [51st globally]. Even Namibia, considered an underdog by some, occupies a respectable 27th spot on the continental rankings [115th globally].
South Africa, currently ranked 12th in Africa and 66th in the world, faces a significant challenge to navigate this competitive group.
BAFANA BAFANA’S AFCON 2023 SCHEDULE
Coach Hugo Broos’ men will have their work cut out for them right from the get-go. They kick off their campaign against Mali on Tuesday, January 16, at 8:00 PM South African time at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium in Korhogo, Ivory Coast’s fourth largest city. The clash promises to be a test of fire against a highly-ranked Malian side brimming with experienced talent.
Percy Tau will meet a familiar face in his Ahly teammate Aliou Dieng and Young Africans goalkeeper Djigui Diarra. Tottenham midfield grafter Yves Bissouma is another familiar face South Africans will watch.
Following the Mali opener, Bafana Bafana will take on Namibia on Sunday, January 21, at 8:00 PM South African time. While Namibia may appear as the more manageable opponent on paper, underestimating them could prove costly.
They will be led by Peter Shalulile of Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates’ Deon Hotto and Riaan Hanamub of AmaZulu FC. They also have Bethuel Muzeu, who turns out for Black Leopards.
The final group stage match for South Africa will be against Tunisia on Wednesday, January 24, at 5:00 PM South African time. This encounter against the continental heavyweights will likely be a decisive one in determining Bafana’s fate in the group. The 2004 African champions have exciting Manchester United youngster Mejbri Hannibal in their ranks.
TOP TWO TAKE ALL
Only the top two teams from each group will automatically qualify for the Round of 16, with the four best third-placed teams also joining the knockout stage. The pressure is on for Bafana Bafana to secure at least two wins, possibly even three if they want to keep their Afcon dreams alive.
Despite the daunting group stage draw, Bafana Bafana have shown flashes of promise under Coach Broos’ guidance. Their recent performances, including an impressive win against FIFA World Cup semi-finalists Morocco, suggest a growing resilience and tactical awareness.
Whether SA can translate their potential into tangible results on the Afcon stage remains to be seen. The upcoming tournament will be a true test of their character, collective talent, and tactical discipline.
The Afcon promises to be a spectacle of African football, and Group E is shaping up to be one of the most exciting to watch. With high-stakes matches, talented players, and passionate fans, the tournament is sure to deliver unforgettable moments. Will Bafana Bafana rise to the challenge and etch their name in Afcon history? Only time will tell.
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