AFCON 2023: Mark Williams Raises Concerns About Bafana Bafana’s Midfield

• South Africa will need flawless performances at the 2023 AFCON to go deep into the tournament
• They haven't won the tournament since 1996 and head to Ivory Coast as underdogs.
• Bafana Bafana legend has raised a few questions about their midfield

Bafana Bafana are hoping to make a mark in the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

Bafana legend Mark Williams has said the South African squad in Ivory Coast, especially the midfield, lacks combativeness.

South Africa are 13th in the latest FIFA rankings and are underdogs in Ivory Coast. They failed to qualify for the 2021 AFCON after reaching the quarter-final in the 2019 edition.

Williams scored twice for South Africa in the 1996 AFCON final against Tunisia to give them their only title in the competition. Since the turn of the millennium, they have not impressed.

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Williams is not happy about South Africa's current midfield options.

“We had Eric Tinkler, we had Linda Buthelezi – these guys could block,” said Williams. "Who are the biters in this Bafana team that can bite and stop other teams? In this squad, we don’t have the cream that we had. I’m not saying the players are not good, but you need to build on something," via iDiski Times.

He added that Hugo Broos' side must win their first match against Mali on Tuesday next week.

“It is very important that we win against Mali and probably get a draw (in the next two matches), they can qualify."

South Africa will also face former winners Mali and neighbours Namibia. They will rely on Broos, who led Cameroon to the 2017 title.

Bafana land in Ivory Coast for AFCON

South Africa are ready to replicate their success in 1996 by lifting the Africa Cup of Nations again.

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Bafana Bafana have already landed in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, ready for the 34th edition of the AFCON.

Bafana’s stars arrived in style, sporting their national team tracksuits and sneakers, Sports Brief reported.

Katlego Mphela concerns with Bafana

Former Bafana striker Katlego Mphela is always concerned about South Africa's attacking options as Sports Brief earlier reported.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns star doesn't understand where the goals are going to come from.

"With my experience, AFCON is a very difficult tournament to play...Also, where are we going to get our goals? Because I look at the squad: okay. you have your Percy Tau and Themba Zwane, okay, it’s fine. But they are not the players that will get you goals in that kind of tournament."