1 July 2024 – Bafana Bafana go into their final Group A match against Eswatini knowing that they need a victory to make life easier for themselves and ensure safe passage into the next round of the COSAFA Cup. The two neighbouring countries face off at the Isaac Wolfson Stadium in Gqeberha on Tuesday afternoon, 2 July 2024 and kick off is at 3pm.
A semifinal place will be on the line and coach Helman Mkhalele conceded that his charges have to rise to the challenge after successive draws against Mozambique (1-1) and Botswana (0-0).
“We have to make sure we bounce back tomorrow and win our game because if we don’t get a win, any results other than a win could send us home. We might not know what will be happening in the other group game between Mozambique and Botswana,” he said.
Mkhalele said he will make a few changes to the team that drew against Botswana on Saturday.
“It is still in our hands, and it is crucial that we do the business against Eswatini by making sure that we score more goals, and we don’t concede, because the goal difference could become a factor. It is important that we keep a clean sheet, and we score as many goals as possible”.
The coach said Thabang Sibanyoni was not given very much support upfront in the previous outing and he will ensure that this changes against Eswatini.
“And for us to be able to score those many goals, I believe that we will need to make sure that we beef up our striking force and more especially give Sibanyoni the support that he needs upfront as he has won almost each and every high ball played to him. Now we need someone who will anticipate those high balls and use them effectively.”
