Bafana Bafana target Zimbabwe win to seal AFCON knockout spot

Following a 1-0 loss to Egypt on Friday, South Africa will be looking to bounce back with a win against Zimbabwe to secure their spot in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) knockout stages.  

Sports reporter Masebe Qina says Bafana Bafana failed to capitalise after Egypt’s right-back, Mohamed Hany, received a red card in the first half.

“I don’t think we played badly, it was just a lack of luck here and there. It is those kinds of situations that we need to rectify tonight so that we can win and proceed.”

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South Africa currently sit second in Group B with three points, meaning a draw or a win against Zimbabwe could be enough to secure a spot in the next round. 

While South Africa appears stronger on paper, clashes between the two sides have always been challenging.

In October this year, Zimbabwe put up a strong fight in the FIFA World Cup qualifier, holding South Africa to a 0-0 draw at Moses Mabhida Stadium.  

Qina emphasises the need for South Africa to take the game to Zimbabwe from the outset and not underestimate their opponents.

“We need to change our mindset about that and attack from the first minute to the last whistle,” he says.

To listen to Qina in conversation with 702 and CapeTalk’s Africa Melane, click the audio player below: