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Bafana prepared for Ethiopia

Addis Ababa - Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund is happy with his teams preparations for the 2014 Fifa World Cup qualifier against Ethiopia and is confident his charges will deliver on Sunday.

South Africa face Ethiopia at the National Stadium in Addis Ababa, at 3pm South African time.

"It could not have gone any better for us. We had a great training session this afternoon so all in all we are ready for the game," Igesund said on Saturday.

"We have been blessed a little bit because there have been rains over the last few days making the pitch softer."

Igesund said it would be a difficult game against a formidable Ethiopian side but his team had worked hard and were focused on the task ahead.

"I think Ethiopia are in a difficult position asking themselves whether to go for a win to end the race, or take a draw and win their last match, but we are prepared for any game plan, whatever tactics they come up with we have to out-think them."

South Africa were second in Group A with eight points from four matches – two points behind leaders Ethiopia.

A South African victory would them top the group with 11 points, one ahead of Ethiopia. Then a Bafana win over Botswana in September would take South Africa to the play-offs. A draw against neighbours Botswana would still suffice provided Ethiopia lose or draw against Central African Republic in the other group match.

However, a draw against Ethiopia would make things more difficult for Igesund's men as Ethiopia would maintain their two-point lead.

A win for Ethiopia would see them finish as Group A winners and a spot in the play-offs rendering the final group matches meaningless.

There are ten groups in the qualifiers and only group winners would move into the play-offs to determine which five countries will represent Africa in Brazil 2014.

Meanwhile, hundreds of local fans came out to catch a glimpse of Bafana Bafana before and after their final training session at the match venue. The locals sang victory songs while flashing placards with their predictions for Sunday's match. If they are to be believed, Bafana Bafana would lose 2-0, 3-0 with some overconfident predicting a 5-0 win for their country.

"South Africa is wasting time and money, there is no way we are going to lose tomorrow," said one local fan.

"You are here to donate points to us," added another.

Such has been the hype ahead of the match and the 22 000 capacity stadium is expected to be filled to the rafters.

Bafana Bafana remained full of confidence following their 3-0 victory over the CAR last weekend and the players arrived at their hotel singing at the top of their voices to the excitement of hotel staff and guests.

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