How Bafana’s group stage opponents are preparing for 2023 AFCON

Less than a week before the AFCON showdown in Ivory Coast, Bafana Bafana’s Group E opponents – Namibia, Mali, and Tunisia – are ramping up preparations, eager to leave their mark on the continental stage.

Africa’s showpiece will run from 13 January to 11 February, and Bafana are also in a fever of final preparations. Group E matches are set to get underway from 16 to 24 January as the four nations compete for a place in the knockout stages.

Hugo Broos’ troops are holding their training camp locally, and they will host Lesotho in an international friendly before departing for Ivory Coast.

The preparatory match behind closed doors will be played at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Thursday, 11 January.

BAFANA BAFANA GROUP STAGE OPPONENTS’ PREPARATIONS FOR AFCON

The Eagles of Mali decided to conduct their camp at home before leaving for Ivory Coast. Coach Eric Sekou Chelle named a strong 27-man squad on Wednesday.

In their preparation, the West Africans will face off against Guinea-Bissau on Saturday, 6 January at Stade du 26 Mars. That will be before their opener against Bafana 10 days later on Tuesday, 16 January.

2004 African champions Tunisia also opted to prepare for AFCON at home before the 27-man squad fly out to the West African country. The North African side will play two friendly matches before their opener against Namibia on 16 January.

The Carthage Eagles’ two matches will be played at Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi. This will be against other qualified teams, namely, Mauritania and Cape Verde, on 6 and 10 January, respectively.

The Brave Warriors of Namibia are based in West Africa in Ghana where the 23-man squad selected by coach Collin Benjamin are busy with their preparations.

The Southern African team have one friendly match against Ghana at Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Monday 8 January.

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