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Bafana in must-win Afcon clash against Namibia
South Africa will face off with Namibia in their second 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) Group D match at the Al Salam Stadium in Egypt on Friday.
Kick-off is at 10pm CAT - Live on SuperSport.
Bafana Bafana are desperate for a victory after suffering a slim 1-0 defeat against Ivory Coast's Elephants on Monday.
Matches are coming thick and fast with an EPIC line up for today's fixtures.
— SuperSport ???? (@SuperSportTV) June 28, 2019
Which clash are you most excited to watch?#CarthageEagles v #TheEagles#AtlasLions v #LesÉléphants#BafanaBafana v #BraveWarriors pic.twitter.com/2Tr3tiMIl3
Ivory Coast striker Jonathan Kodjia scored the goal which handed Bafana a loss and they are placed fourth on the Group D standings.
South Africa forward Percy Tau says playing against their Southern African rivals, Namibia will be a nice challenge as Stuart Baxter's side looks to return to winning ways.
“We are excited to play against Namibia, much as they always love to play against us," Tau said.
"We are really looking forward to the match, play our own game and see what we need to do in the attack and to defend better as a team. It will be a nice challenge to play against Namibia.”
#BafanaBafana will need to turn their #AFCON2019 form around quickly if they are to advance to the knockout stages of the tournament. pic.twitter.com/SNxoM1uyc3
— SuperSport ???? (@SuperSportTV) June 28, 2019
Brighton and Hove Albion forward Tau is a key player in the Bafana team and he has the ability to inspire the 1996 Afcon champions to victory against the Brave Warriors.
Meanwhile, Namibia also got off to a losing start as they succumbed to a narrow 1-0 defeat to the Atlas Lions of Morocco on Sunday.
?? After a strong first round, Ladies and Gentlemen the group as it stands: Top game to snatch a spot in the knock-out stages and the other two teams fighting to give themselves a chance to go further in #TotalAFCON2019 pic.twitter.com/rP8lporpW2
— CAF (@CAF_Online) June 28, 2019
Namibian midfielder Itamunua Keimuine scored an unfortunate own-goal and it led to the Brave Warriors' defeat which left them placed third on the Group D standings.
Ricardo Mannetti, the Namibia head coach, is looking forward to their clash with their neighbours, South Africa.
"The boys did all they could and unfortunately that happened (against Morocco). It’s football and we have to plan for the next match," Mannetti said.
"It will be a derby on Friday, so much to play for. There will be duels and clashes and we will play different from against Morrocco and they will play differently as well."
South Africa-based forward Peter Shalulile is Namibia's dangerman and he will be hoping to play an important role in helping his nation secure its maiden win at the Afcon finals.
In Head-to-Head stats, South Africa and Namibia have met on eight occasions.
South Africa have registered five victories compared to Namibia's one, while two matches ended in a draw.
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