Publications
Partners
Cape Town - Bafana Bafana head coach Shakes Mashaba says his charges are aware that no other result would matter against Senegal except victory.
Read: Bafana control their destiny
South Africa are up against Senegal in their second match of the CAF Orange Africa Cup of Nations Equatorial Guinea 2015 tournament today Friday, January 23 at Stade de Mongomo.
Kick-off is at 21:00 (SA time)
Bafana Bafana go into this match following a 3-1 loss to Algeria in the first match of the tournament and need the points desperately. Senegal defeated Ghana 2-1 in the other opening match.
“There is no way we cannot feel the pressure because it’s a must-win. But everyone is under pressure, even the opposition,” said Mashaba to safa.net.
“So we are the same in that regard even though they have the advantage of three points from the first match and they won’t take this match lightly.
“They will be spitting fire just like us because we want to win this game to remain on course with our plan of going further in this tournament.
“The game is going to be tough. We both need the points because if we beat them we are level on points. Our boys are ready, we made them aware of what to expect and they say people must not read too much into the results of the last game as this is a different ball game altogether.”
South Africa has struggled against Senegal in previous meetings – in five meetings there have been only two draws, with Senegal winning the other three clashes, but Mashaba is not fazed.
“History is something that is good to refer to. But we are in different times and era. All that has happened before won’t happen again. Unfortunately we are playing them at a wrong time when we are wounded. We will definitely make sure that we win this match,” added Mashaba.
Ghana will face Algeria in the other group match at 18:00 (SA time).
Bafana Bafana starting XI: Jackson Mabokgwane, Anele Ngcongca, Thabo Matlaba, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Eric Mathoho, Dean Furman (C), Andile Jali, Oupa Manyisa, Thuso Phala, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Tokelo Rantie.
Substitutes: Darren Keet (GK), Brilliant Khuzwayo (GK), Ayanda Gcaba, Thamsanqa Sangweni, Themba Zwane, Mandla Masango, Bongani Zungu, Bernard Parker, Siyabonga Nhlapho, Bongani Ndulula, Reneilwe Letsholonyane.
Injured: Rivaldo Coetzee
