South Africa will face a great task to qualify from Group E after losing 2-0 in their opening game against Mali, who have been tipped to progress alongside Tunisia.
Bafana Bafana’s fate now depends on defeating neighbors Namibia, who has thrown the group wide open after winning their opener against Tunisia for the first time in their history.
Bafana Bafana’s first game loss was a reflection of their form as they have just won two of their last seven games prior to the continental showpiece (D4, L1).
While it is only matchday two in the tournament, Bafana Bafana will have to treat this clash with all seriousness, while the Brave Warriors can book their place in the round of 16 with a win.
A defeat for Hugo Broos's side would see them on the edge of elimination from the continental showpiece, but it is worth noting that they have not suffered a loss against the side from across the Orange River since 1998.
History is on South Africa’s side, though, as the 1996 AFCON champions have never lost their first two games in succession at an AFCON competition since 2008.
However, Namibia’s three previous AFCON campaigns, they had finished at the bottom of their group each time and had an all-time appalling record of seven losses and just two draws.
Collin Benjamin's men will now face Bafana Bafana for the third time in AFCON competition, making their neighbours their most frequent opponent, although they did lose the previous two encounters to them.
Team News
Burnley striker Lyle Foster was South Africa's top scorer in qualifying, but the marksman withdrew from the squad in the lead-up to the tournament due to personal reasons.
Bafana Bafana are not the same team without Foster leading the attack, and that became quite evident against Mali, especially in the second half when the South African attack looked as though they had run out of ideas.
History-maker Deon Hotto scored the historic goal for Namibia against Tunisia in the 88th minute and will look to play a daring role again in this match alongside his midfield partner Prins Tjiueza.
Danger man - Peter Shalulile, who plays club football in South Africa for PSL champions Mamelodi Sundowns, is expected to lead the attack against the team that features several of his club teammates, including his club captain Ronwen Williams.
South Africa possible starting lineup: Williams; Mobbie, Xulu, Mvala, Modiba; Mayambela, Sithole, Mokoena, Tau; Lepasa, Makgopa
Namibia possible starting lineup: Kazapua; Nyambe, Amutenya, Haukongo, Hanuman; Petrus, Iimbondi, Shitembi, Tijueza, Hotto; Shalulile
Kick-Off
Sun, 21 January 2024 at 8:00 PM (20:00GMT)
South Africa vs Namibia – Where to watch?
TV Channel: GTV Sports plus, DStv and other local channels.
By: Pascal Amoah
