Bafana Bafana: Photo Credit: SAFA.
South Africa’s B team captain Neo Maema says Bafana Bafana is bracing for a tough Africa Nations Champions (CHAN) play-off encounter at Suez Canal Stadium in Egypt on Sunday.
The Mamelodi Sundowns star said this ahead of the second leg of the play-offs which is a must-win for South Africa after Egypt managed an away one-all draw last week.
Maema spoke to the South African Football Association media about the challenges of playing away against resolute opponents who are difficult to beat at home.
“We know that playing in Egypt is always very tough. I mean, we have a somewhat good record against them, but playing away from home and playing in their backyard is going to be very difficult,” he said.
“But the guys look expectant, looking forward to it and making sure that we put the country and the team into the next round, especially the group stages of the competition. And, yeah, it was a very long trip, but by the grace of God, we made it safely and we’re looking forward to the match.”
Meanwhile, South Africa coach Molefi Ntseki has made several changes to the Bafana Bafana squad ahead of the match after releasing Nduduzo Mhlongo from Golden Arrows, Naledi Hlongwane of Kaizer Chiefs, and Monnapule Saleng and Azola Tshobeni from Orlando Pirates.
Ntseki has since drafted in new arrivals including Victor Letsoalo from TS Galaxy, and Mondli Mpoto and Levy Mashiane from Royal AM. The winner of this two-legged contest will proceed to the second round of the CHAN qualifiers to be played in May 2025.
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