AFCON 2023: Percy Tau Outlines Bafana Bafana Goal Ahead of Mali Clash

AFCON 2023: Percy Tau Outlines Bafana Bafana Goal Ahead of Mali Clash

Edwin Kiplagat
updated at January 15, 2024 at 6:15 PM
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  • Bafana Bafana are optimistic ahead of their first 2023 AFCON match against Mali
  • The 1996 AFCON champions are looking to produce a good performance
  • A day before the match, Percy Tau spoke about the team's ambition in the tournament

Bafana Bafana kick off their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament with a massive encounter against Mali.

Vice-captain Percy Tau is in high spirits ahead of the game and spoke about what his goals with them are.

Percy Tau, Bafana Bafana, Mali, 2023 AFCON, Ivory Coast
Percy Tau will spearhead Bafana Bafana's attack. Photo by Phill Magakoe.
Source: Getty Images

South Africa failed to qualify for the 2021 AFCON, and their preparations for the tournament have been dominated by the omission of Burnley striker Lyle Foster, per SAFA.

They last won the title in 1996 and are considered underdogs in the tournament. They're also in the 'group of death' alongside Tunisia, Mali, and Namibia,

Percy Tau and the team are putting the finishing touches on their preparations.

“We’ve prepared well even though we have another session today to do the final touches, everyone is looking forward to the tournament and the first game. We want to start well, he said via iDiski Times.

The Ahl Ahly forward says he wants to lift the title.

“It’s a dream for me to win it and I’d love to win it, our squad shares the same dream, I’d love to win it.”

South Africa will need to go past some of Africa's big teams like Morocco, Senegal and Nigeria.

Mosimane's AFCON prediction

Former Mamelodi Sundowns boss Pitso Mosimane recently made his prediction of the tournament.

The veteran tactician said he expects Morocco to challenge but feels Senegal will still win it again, as Sports Brief reported earlier.

“I expect Morocco to do very well to be honest. They’ve got no reason not to do well.”
"I still go with Senegal, I know the coach and because I know how tactically disciplined they are.”

Bafana Bafana important players

Sports Brief earlier reported on South Africa's top 5 players in Ivory Coast.

Top of the list is captain, and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who is one of the leaders of the team. Right-back Khuliso Mudau is also expected to play a crucial role both in defence and attack.

Veteran Percy Tau is also expected to create and score goals.

Authors
Edwin Kiplagat photo
Edwin Kiplagat
Edwin Kiplagat has five years of experience in journalism working as a Sports Editor at Africa Insight Communications and ESPN. Edwin Kiplagat is a Bachelor's Degree holder in journalism from the Multimedia University of Kenya.