Bafana Bafana will not emulate the class of 1996 in winning this year’s delayed AFCON 2023 tournament – if bookmakers are to be believed.
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Bafana Bafana have been drawn in a tough looking Group E alongside Tunisia, Mali and Namibia at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in the Ivory Coast.
The tournament is scheduled to take place between 13 January and 11 February 2024 in the Ivorian cities of Abidjan, Bouake, Korhogo, San Pedro and Yamoussoukro.
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The top two sides in each of the six groups – along with the four best third-placed finishers – will qualify for the Round of 16.
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According to the latest FIFA rankings, Tunisia are ranked third in Africa (28th in the world), Mali are ninth (51st in the world) and Namibia find themselves in 27th place on the continent (115th in the world).
South Africa are 12th in Africa and 66th in the world.
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Bafana Bafana will kick off their tournament against Mali on Tuesday, 16 January at 22:00 (SA time).
Hugo Broos’ team will then face Namibia on Sunday, 21 January at 22:00 (SA time) and will wrap up their group matches against Tunisia on Wednesday, 24 January at 19:00 (SA time).
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Leading South African bookmakers Hollywoodbets have Hugo Broos’ team on offer at 40/1 to win what would be the country’s second AFCON title after lifting the trophy back in 1996.
Senegal and Morocco have been installed as joint 6/1 favourites, followed by hosts Ivory Coast and Algeria at 7/1.
Egypt are an attractive-looking 9/1, with Nigeria and Cameroon on offer at 10/1.
South Africa are 12th-favourites among the 24 teams set to take part.
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HAVE YOUR SAY
How far will Bafana Bafana progress at the 2023 AFCON?
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BAFANA BAFANA AFCON 2023 SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Ricardo Goss (SuperSport United), Veli Mothwa (AmaZulu), Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Defenders: Grant Kekana (Mamelodi Sundowns), Terrence Mashego (Mamelodi Sundowns), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Mothobi Mvala (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sydney Mobbie (Sekhukhune United), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Siyanda Xulu (SuperSport United)
Midfielders: Thapelo Maseko (Mamelodi Sundowns), Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Jayden Adams (Stellenbosch FC), Thabang Monare (Orlando Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela/POR)
Forwards: Zakhele Lepasa (Orlando Pirates), Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates), Oswin Appollis (Polokwane City), Mihlali Mayambela (Aris Limassol/CYP), Percy Tau (Al Ahly/EGY), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Meanwhile, three players have been placed on standby.
They are Sibongiseni Mthethwa (midfielder – Kaizer Chiefs), Elias Mokwana (forward – Sekhukhune United) and Tapelo Xoki (defender – Orlando Pirates).
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