All eyes will be trained on the Adrar Stadium in Agadir on Friday when Bafana Bafana face Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations in what will be the tournament’s first match between World Cup-bound teams.
Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana kicked off their campaign with a 2-1 win over Angola on Monday, while Egypt needed a stoppage-time winner by Mohamed Salah to beat Zimbabwe by the same scoreline.
On Friday, both teams will be looking to secure their place in the next round by picking up maximum points.
Following their game against Angola, Broos pressed the point that Bafana will need to be switched on at all times against the powerful Egyptians. After taking the lead through an Oswin Appollis strike, the South African defence went to sleep, allowing Palancas Negras to score the equaliser.
Get your news on the go. Download the latest IOL App for Android and IOS now
“We started the game very well. We scored a goal, and then suddenly we fell asleep and Angola came into the game,” the Belgian said earlier this week, adding that Angola’s equaliser served as a wake-up call for his team.
The players, though, still needed a stern talking to at the break.
“My voice was a little louder than usual… I made them conscious that if they carry on like this, we will lose the game. And you saw the reaction.”
The test against Egypt will be a much tougher one for Bafana Bafana.
In Salah, they will be coming up against a player who is keen to remind football fans of his ability after a difficult season for Liverpool in the Premier League. The Egyptian icon has come in for some criticism over his conduct after being dropped by Arne Slot, and will be keen to use the tournament to attract suitors for his signature as his relationship with his club appears to be completely ruined.
Broos, though, will be hoping that Mbekezeli Mbokazi puts in another impressive shift in the Bafana jersey and keeps Salah and Manchester City Omar Marmoush quiet during the 90s minutes.
Friday is an opportunity for Bafana Bafana to measure themselves against one of Africa’s traditional heavyweights, to show that their recent progress is real and sustainable. If they can marry the intensity Broos demands with the discipline required to contain Egypt’s firepower, Bafana could take a decisive step towards the knockout rounds – and send a clear message that they genuine contenders at Afcon.
IOL Sport
Get your news on the go. Download the latest IOL App for Android and IOS now
