Bafana book AFCON Last 16 spot after goalless draw with Tunisia

Bafana Bafana have booked the 2023 AFCON Last 16 spot after playing out to a 0-0 draw with Tunisia in their Group E last match on Wednesday night.

Bafana’s last group stage match against Tunisia took place at Amadou Gon Coulibaly stadium. Below are some of the talking points from this tie.  

HUGO BROOS MADE NO SQUAD CHANGE

Coach Hugo Broos made no changes in his starting eleven that thrashed Namibia 4-0 last Sunday.

The starting eleven consisted of eight Mamelodi Sundowns players, something that had many football fanatics talking a lot about it, citing how Masandawana’s progress in CAF competitions has helped the national team. 

BAFANA BAFANA ADVANCE TO LAST 16

As a result, South Africa advanced to the Last 16 of the AFCON competition, having finished second in Group E with four points.

With Bafana finishing second in Group E, they will either face Group F winners Morocco, Zambia, or DR Congo in San Pedro on January 30 in the Round of 16.

The Group F matches will kick-off at 22:00 [SA time].

KHULISO MUDAU REPLACED DUE TO INJURY

Bafana suffered an injury blow in the first half when Sundowns star defender Khuliso Mudau picked up an injury. However, he managed to hold on till the half-time break. 

In the second half, Broos did not want to take any chances but to replace Mudau. Sekhukhune United defender Nyiko Mobbie came in for the injured Mudau.

MALI AND NAMIBIA ALSO PROGRESS TO LAST 16

Meanwhile, Group E will have three teams going into the last 16.

Mali progressed to the Round of 16 as Group E winners, whereas Namibia qualified for the knockout phase as one of the third-placed best teams.

On the other hand, Tunisia will be heading home after finishing at the bottom of Group E.

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