Bafana Bafana counting on recent good form as they eye
maximum points in Bloemfontein
Match Background: Can Bafana
Bafana benefit from home comforts?
South Africa will hope to benefit from home comforts yet again
when they take on Zimbabwe in their fourth 2026 World Cup
qualifier.
Bafana Bafana recorded a 1-1 draw in Nigeria last Friday which
has given coach Hugo Broos confidence heading into the match
against the Warriors.
Broos’ side are third in a tight Group C on four points, same as
Rwanda and Benin, with Lesotho the surprise leaders on five.
Nigeria have three points from as many matches while Zimbabwe are
on two.
It therefore makes Tuesday’s match in Bloemfontein a must-win
for both sides as South Africa need maximum points to stay in touch
with their rivals while Zimbabwe cannot afford a loss as that will
all but end their hopes, even this early in the qualifying
phase.
South Africa started their qualifying journey with a 2-1 home
win against Benin before a shock 2-0 loss away to Rwanda and after
achieving their target of at least a draw in Nigeria, Broos and his
men will be confident of maximum points at home which will take
them to seven points in Group C.
Head-to-head – Form favours
South Africa but history gives Zimbabwe hope
While form and pedigree favour South Africa, Zimbabwe have not
been an easy opponent for Bafana Bafana over the years as they have
an identical record.
In 17 meetings dating back to 1992, South Africa have won seven,
same as the Warriors, with three matches ending in a stalemate.
The last time the two southern African rivals faced off was in
November 2021 when South Africa won 1-0 in a World Cup
qualifier.
That was the first victory for South Africa against Zimbabwe in
five attempts after losing three, drawing one and winning one of
their five previous meetings.
However, heading into the meeting in Bloemfontein, South Africa
can feel confident given they are undefeated in their last four
matches across all competitions while the Warriors last tasted
victory in January 2022.
They lost their last two games against modest opposition in
Lesotho and Kenya, although they are likely to put on a defensive
display, as witnessed in their goalless draw with Rwanda before a
1-1 stalemate against Nigeria.
What they said – Broos looking
for maximum points at home but Tapera has promised to make life
difficult for Bafana
Broos was
visibly happy with the draw in Uyo although he will feel
disappointed that his team did not take maximum points from the
clash given the opportunities they wasted before the Super Eagles
turned on the style later.
“Normally when you see the draw you know that Nigeria is going
to be the opponent to be first in the group. When you come here you
hope to have a minimum of one point or not to lose the match which
was important for us,” Broos said after the 1-1 draw in Uyo.
“I said before the match that pressure was on Nigeria because
they have three successive draws and you know in the qualifiers you
need to win your home games. For us we are happy with the
point.”
Hugo Broos, head coach of
South Africa during the South Africa Press Conference at Charles
Konan Stadium in Yamoussoukro on the 02 February 2024 – Photo by
Icon Sport
His Zimbabwean counterpart Jairos Tapera was visibly frustrated
to lose to minnows Lesotho, bemoaning defensive errors that saw
them concede two first half goals, but vowed to right those wrongs
against Bafana Bafana.
“The loss is history and against Bafana Bafana, it is a
different game altogether. I am sure we might perform differently
against Bafana Bafana,” said Tapera.
“I am very much disappointed with the two goals we conceded in
the first half. I am not happy at all. Those were basic defensive
errors that we could have avoided.”
Players to watch: Who will
make a difference in Bloemfontein?
A lot has been said about star forwards Percy Tau and
Lyle Foster, with the former coming in for
criticism yet again following his less than impressive outing
against Nigeria, but the two will be crucial to South Africa
gaining maximum points.
Broos fielded Iqraam Rayners alongside Themba Zwane upfront on
Friday, with the latter grabbing a goal, but that was down to the
need to counter Nigeria’s attacking threats. Against Zimbabwe, Tau
and Foster will likely start up top with Mshishi pulling the
strings in the No.10 role.
For Zimbabwe, Nantes striker Tino Kadewere will pose a big
threat to the Bafana Bafana defence with his pace and physical
presence.
The forward will be the most advanced player for Zimbabwe who
will sit deep and opt to hit South Africa on the counter
attack.
Midfielder Walter Musona is another player to watch given he has
an eye for goal. He has two goals in their last four matches and
shocked Nigeria when he broke the deadlock against the Super Eagles
on matchday one.
Probable XI: How might the
teams line up?
South Africa probable XI: Ronwen Williams;
Aubrey Modiba, Khuliso Mudau, Mothobi Mvala, Siyabonga Ngezana;
Teboho Mokoena, Spephelo Sithole, Bathusi Aubaas, Themba Zwane;
Lyle Foster, Percy Tau
Zimbabwe probable XI: Bernard Donovan; Andrew
Mbeba, Teenage Hadebe, Gerald Takwara, Divine Lunga; Andy
Rinomhota, Tymon Machope, Marshall Munetsi; Walter Musona, Tino
Kadewere, Daniel Msendami
Source link : https://www.afrik-foot.com/en-za/bafana-bafana-take-on-the-warriors-in-a-must-win-match
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Publish date : 2024-06-10 17:58:01
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