Bafana Bafana duo Evidence Makgopa and Aubrey Modiba admit the match against Namibia is crucial for their hopes of advancing to the last 16 of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
After their 2-0 loss to Mali to open Group E and Namibia’s surprising 1-0 win over Tunisia, South Africa know a win against their Southern African rivals is imperative before their final game against the North Africans next week.
The Orlando Pirates striker who’s emerged as Hugo Broos’ first-choice number nine within the absences of Lebo Mothiba and Lyle Foster will be looking to help steer Bafana to victory.
“Namibia is a good side, we have to give our all, we really need those remaining points, the six points, we need it,” Makgopa said to iDiski Times.
“We need to go out there and give it all, I know it’s not going to be an easy one because if we lose this game, it’s bad business for us, it’s a must-win, we have to grab those three points.”
While Modiba echoed the sentiments of his teammate, the Mamelodi Sundowns utility man who earned widespread praise for his display understands the challenges of the Brave Warriors, with their last three meetings ending in draws.
“I think we have a strong team, a good team that can compete against anyone on any given day – I think we’ve shown it in the past, but Namibia is a very difficult team to play against, a hard-running team,” Modiba said.
“They work really hard, the way they defend, attack, run – they will make it difficult for us and yes it will be nice to see familiar faces but at the end of the day we are working, so no friends or whatever – even when I come across Peter here, I always say my friend doesn’t come to us coz we really need to focus, and make sure we win this game.
“It’s going to be a difficult one. It’s not going to be a walk in the park, so yeah I think we’re prepared for the task.”
The two sides meet on Sunday evening at 22h00 at Le Stade Amadou Gon Coulibaly in Korhogo, Ivory Coast.
