DURBAN— South Africa will do battle against Mali in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban tonight, with both sides hoping to inspire their fans for different reasons South Africa were able to reach the last eight stage of the tournament after sealing a 2-2 draw in a scintillating tie against Morocco, silencing their critics and finishing top of Group A.
Report by Goal.com
Determined to win over their country’s support and a fan base which has been disappointed for a decade, Bafana Bafana showed a fighting spirit which has led to a burgeoning of praise and belief in a side which many had written off before the tournament began.
Coach Gordon Igesund’s influence has certainly been one of the defining factors behind the hosts’ new-found confidence in front of goal, but their strength in defence will be tested by their quarter-final opponents.
Bafana set up a clash against Mali, a side also committed to providing their fans with something to hold on to and cherish, during one of the country’s most difficult periods in their history in the form of a bloody and destructive civil war which has torn the Eagles’ homeland to shreds.
Football’s ability to heighten spirits and build national pride will be put to the test on Saturday night, as both sides will be motivated to win, but for vastly different reasons.
Bafana Bafana have been boosted by the news of Lehlonoholo Majoro’s recovery from an injury he sustained against Angola, but will have to play without regular starter Anele Ngongca, who has been suspended for the clash due to an accumulation of yellow cards.
Kaizer Chiefs full-back Siboniso Gaxa is likely to be handed a start tonight and is the obvious replacement for Ngongca due to his international experience and current form.
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South Africa has been successful when pushing forward and focusing on using their faster players such as Tokelo Rantie, Bernard Parker and Thuso Phala. They will face a side which plays a slower brand of football.
