Bafana will go up in opposition to some acquainted faces within the Namibia crew.
Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana take on Namibia on Sunday in Korhogo in an Africa Cup of Nations finals Group E match that they desperately want to win of their bid to qualify for the final 16.
A draw, and even a defeat, won’t depart Bafana out of the reckoning, however it’ll depart them needing a little bit of a miracle in opposition to Tunisia after the 2-0 loss to Mali on Tuesday.
Ordinarily, Bafana could be heavy favourites to beat Namibia, however Collin Benjamin’s aspect are contemporary offpicking up a primary ever win at an Afcon finals, when they surprised Namibia 1-0 on Tuesday.
Phakaaathi takes a look at three things to look out for when Bafana and the Brave Warriors face off in a Southern African derby on the Stade Amadou Gon Coulibaly.
Peter Shalulile v the Sundowns defence
If Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Mothobi Mvala and Grant Kekana begin in opposition to Namibia on Sunday, then Brave Warriors striker Peter Shalulile will go up in opposition to a full defence made up of his teammates at Mamelodi Sundowns.
This isn’t beyone the realms of risk too, as Siyanda Xulu’s poor efficiency in opposition to Mali has many suggesting he must be dropped for this sport, leaving a niche for Kekana to step into.
It shall be fascinating to see if the Sundowns again 5 can maintain their very own striker quiet, in addition to Orlando Pirates striker Deon Hotto, who put up such a superb show in Namibia’s shock win over Tunisia.
Shalulile continues to be wanting for his first objective of the competitors, and little doubt his Masandawana teammates shall be decide to be sure it doesn’t come in opposition to them.
Bafana’s assault v Chippa United’s reserve keeper
Namibia primary Lloyd Kazapua has made simply two appearances for Chippa United this season, shedding his place as first selection shot-stopper on the Chili Boys to Nigerian ‘keeper Stanley Nwabili.
The 34 year-old, nevertheless, stays first selection for Collin Benjamin and the Brave Warriors, and can little doubt be eager to present his mettle once more in opposition to the most effective Bafana have to provide.
Back in September, Kazapua saved a clear sheet as Namibia held Bafana to a goalless draw at Orlando Stadium, and if he can repeat the trick on Sunday, Namibia could have one foot within the final 16.
Bafana’s assault fired blanks in opposition to Mali and the likes of Themba Zwane, Percy Tau and Evidence Makgopa shortly want to discover their type if they’re to get previous Kazapua and increase their very own probabilities of making the knockout rounds.
How many modifications will Broos make?
It shall be attention-grabbing to see if Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos retains religion within the aspect that performed effectively within the first half in opposition to Mali, however was then overpowered within the second, or if he rings the modifications for the sport in opposition to Namibia.
There are gamers whose positions look susceptible, like Siyanda Xulu on the again, Sphephelo Sithole in midfield and Evidence Makgopa in assault.
Could Broos go for Grant Kekana on the again as a substitute of Xulu, will he choose the expertise of Thabang Monare over Sithole and can he put Zakhele Lepasa within the aspect rather than Makgopa? These are simply a few of his choices, however it might even be no shock if Broos provides the aspect he put out on Tuesday one other go.
After all, for 45 minutes, Bafana reduce by means of the Mali defence on loads of events, with solely their ending letting them down. If the top product comes in opposition to Namibia, Bafana might simply discover redemption.
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