While many will fancy the chances of Bafana Bafana at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), a sophisticated supercomputer tends to disagree.
Bafana finished third at the previous staging of the tournament, and are also now fresh off their qualification for the FIFA World Cup for the first time since the 2002 edition.
The tournament in Morocco begins on Sunday and runs until January 18. Bafana will have to navigate a tricky group B with African heavyweights Egypt as well as Angola and Zimbabwe. Egypt are ranked third in Africa, Bafana are 11th on the continent, while Angola are 18th and Zimbabwe are 36th.
Though South Africa are projected to progress through their group and the Round of 16, their run will come to an end at the quarterfinal stage.
AFCON Predictions: Bafana to Face Morocco in Quarters, Khumalo Urges National Support
According to the Supercomputer conducted by AFCON betting specialists BookmakersCameroun.com, Bafana will lose to hosts Morocco 4-0 before the semi-finals stage.
The Supercomputer predicts that Bafana will finish second in their group, before defeating Gabon 2-0 in the Round of 16.
Meanwhile, former Bafana skipper Bongani Khumalo called for all South Africans to get behind the national team at Afcon.
“What Hugo Broos has done in the boys, they’ve revived that passion, that interest, the love for the national team once again. And we support them fully, regardless of the outcome,” Khumalo told IOL.
“And I just want to wish every player all the best of luck. It’s a great platform for the individual; you’d be in the shop window. But more importantly, this is a chance for you to become part of a huge part of our South African history, football history that is very important.”
Bafana open their Afcon campaign in Morocco against Angola on December 22, and on Boxing Day, they will take on the mighty Egypt led by Mohamed Salah.
@Michael_Sherman
IOL Sport
