Picture: Bafana Bafana players against Tunisia/Google

By OBAKENG MAJE

Bafana Bafana bid farewell to Korhogo on Saturday and will be heading to San Pedro, where they will face Morocco at Stade Laurent Pokou in the eagerly anticipated Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Round of 16 showdowns between the two sides on Tuesday night.

Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos’ team had made CAN Village in Korhogo their home away from home since arriving in Côte d’Ivoire on 11 January 2024 ahead of the tournament group stages.

With qualification to the next round secured after a comfortable 4-0 win against Namibia, a goalless draw with Tunisia and a 0-2 defeat to Mali, the South African senior men’s team have now turned their attention fully to Morocco.

Broos said: “We are thankful that my charges have already met the North Africans in the last few months and know what to expect on Tuesday. You will remember that, Bafana Bafana defeated the FIFA World Cup semi-finalists 2-1 in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier played at a vociferous FNB Stadium on 17 June 2023.

“So, we know and understand how this team plays, as we have played them before. We have also won against them and nothing is impossible. In this AFCON, we are seeing that nothing is impossible and I believe in my players. I believe they can do it and I know that they believe in themselves too.”

He further said Mothobi Mvala and Khuliso Mudau, suffered knocks during the final Group E game against a very physical Tunisia, which saw both players spending time in the sick bay for most of Thursday and Friday. Broos added that the two players sat out training during the two days.

“Mothobi took a knock while Mudau is recovering very well. I was surprised that he was able to walk the next day, but he is still in recovery for now. Both players are with the medical staff and they are being treated around the clock to ensure that they are fit for selection on Tuesday,” he said.

Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana captain, Ronwen William has issued a call to South Africans to continue to support the team as they head to San Pedro with the hope that the next stop will be Bouake afterward and then Abidjan.

“I would like to urge all South Africans to stand by us through thick and thin. Like every other team, we need support, and this means everything. This sacrifice we make is not only for us but also for everyone back home. It is our goal to make you proud,” he said.

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