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Nelspruit - Niger coach Harowna Doulla, has warned Bafana Bafana that his West African minnows are not in South Africa as tourists.
Doulla insists his side are here to upset their hosts when they meet in the opening 2012 Group G African Nations Cup qualifier at the Mbombela Stadium on Saturday night. Kick-off is at 8.30pm.
Speaking on Friday in Nelspruit, Doulla said he knew what to expect from Bafana. “I watched Bafana during the World Cup in South Africa in June and July and I know it is going to be a difficult match for us," coach said.
"South Africa have plenty of quality and the added advantage of playing at home, but at the same time we are determined to get a result.
We are certainly not here as tourists. We are here to play soccer and try and get as many points from this group as possible.”
The other teams in the tough Group G are African champions Egypt and Sierra Leone. Only the group winner is guaranteed to advance to the finals in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.
Niger are ranked 145th in the world but they are expected to punch well above their weight against the home side who have benefitted form playing in the World Cup finals.
“After the World Cup we know what to expect from South Africa. They are a good side with plenty of quality and we know it is going to be a difficult game.”
Niger dangerman is giant striker Moussa Maazou who recently joined French outfit Bordeaux, but Doulla said Niger have no stars.
Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane, rates Maazou and has a plan to keep the Niger number nine quiet.
“Maazou is a good player and physically strong, but we have an idea how to keep him under control,” said Mosimane.
Bafana last played at the Mbombela Stadium in a World Cup warm up match in May where they thrashed Thailand 4-0.
