After Bafana Bafana’s impressive 4-0 win over Namibia, here is what they need in their final game against Tunisia to qualify for the knockout stages.
Hugo Broos’ men have risen up after their 2-0 defeat to Mali and silenced several of their critics with the comfortable win over their neighbours.
Percy Tau converted from the penalty spot this time around, while Themba Zwane netted a first half brace before Thapelo Maseko round off the result in the second half to hand Bafana three important points in Group E.
The victory saw them move into second place, one point behind leaders Mali, who drew 1-1 with Tunisia on Saturday. The head-to-head record puts Bafana ahead of Namibia, who also have three points, with Tunisia sitting at the bottom with just one point.
A draw in Bafana’s final group match against the Eagles of Carthage would at least secure third place, depending on the result between Mali and Namibia possibly more.
A win would definitely secure the knockout stages for Bafana, no matter the other result.
In case of a Bafana draw, a win or draw for Mali against Namibia, would mean South Africa qualify as runner-up from Group E. If Bafana draw with Tunisia and Namibia beat Mali, then Bafana would drop to third place, based on the head-to-head rule and their defeat to Mali, who would also end the group on four points, while Namibia would move to six.
In case of a loss to Tunisia, South Africa could still qualify as one of the best third-placed teams, but the chances seem very slim as it would still need to be determined by what happens in other groups.
