Bafana players are all looking very sharp, says Baxter

Cape Town - Bafana Bafana held their first training session on Monday morning ahead of the all-important 2019 CAF African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya.

The opening session took place in the Tunisian capital of Tunis at Stade Olympique Dél Menzah.

Head coach Stuart Baxter was evidently happy with the response from the players and believes that the team will put up a great performance over the weekend.

"We had a good session. We worked on some tactics during our 90-minute session, and I am impressed with how the players have responded," Baxter said as quoted by SAFA website.

"They are all looking very sharp and ready to compete for a place in the first eleven.

"We have a great squad here and I believe that if we can work as a unit, have tactical discipline and enjoy the match against Libya, we will come away with the much need result,” said Baxter.

There was a slight scare during the morning session when Keagan Dolly sustained a strain to his hamstring, but the medical team said it was nothing serious.

Bafana Bafana will continue training in Tunis before moving to Sfax on 21 March 2019 where they will conclude their preparations for the last group E match of the AFCON qualifiers.

The fixture will take place on Sunday, March 24 at the Stade Taieb Mhiri in Tunisia, with kick-off at 18:00 (SA time).

South Africa are currently in second place in Group E on 9 points while Nigeria have accumulated 10 points and have already qualified despite having to still play the Seychelles. 

Libya (7 points) find themselves with a chance to head to Egypt in June for the tournament - but only if they beat Bafana Bafana.

Baxter's charges only need a point (a draw or win) to qualify.

Meanwhile, the draw for the 24-team tournament will take place on Friday, April 12.