South Africa vs Namibia: Bafana Bafana Star Speaks on ‘Must Win’ Encounter Against Neighbours

• Sphephelo Sithole is wary about South Africa's clash with Nambia at the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
• Bafana Bafana lost their first game of the tournament to the Eagles of Mali
• Teboho Mokoena has also stated that they must not lose to their neighbours

Tondela of Spain star Sphephelo Sithole has warned that South Africa cannot afford to lose their second group game at the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Bafana Bafana were stunned 2-0 by Mali in their opening game of the competition, and Sithole knows what losing against Namibia would mean.

The impressive midfielder was in action for the full 90 minutes against the Eagles in Korhogo, Ivory Coast, on Tuesday night.

In a chat with the SAFA media department, Sithole, along with Teboho Mokoena, analysed what went wrong at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium.

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Sithole said via IOL:

“I think the gents have been positive after the loss that we had, so I think our mindset is on the right track because we are fully focused on the coming game (against Namibia on Sunday).”

Bafana Bafana had a larger share of possession during the encounter, claiming they had 55% of the ball with six shots on target to Mali’s seven.

Sithole also disclosed that his side had a better second half but were unlucky to find the back of the net.

South Africa will now face off with Namibia, a side that created history by winning their first-ever match at an AFCON tournament, beating North African side Tunisia.

Mokwena, on the other hand, stated that he did not succumb to the claim that the game against Namibia is a must-win encounter. He said:

“It’s not really a must-win, but we must get a positive result against Namibia.

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“Of course, I won’t be happy (if we don’t win), but we definitely should not lose.”

Igesund backs Bafana Bafana to bounce back

Sports Brief earlier reported that former Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund emphasised the importance of South Africa backing Hugo Broos and his team after their heartbreaking loss to Mali.

Percy Tau's missed penalty and two second-half goals from the Eagles condemned the 1996 African champions to an opening-day defeat in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

Igesund highlighted that inexperience cost Bafana Bafana the game against the Malians but has backed the team and the manager to turn their AFCON fortunes around.