Amajimbos are all fired up as they prepare for the final group game of the Under-17 Afcon against Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets at the Stade Mohamed-Hamlaoui on Saturday evening (Kickoff 9pm).
The final group B encounter will be crucial in determining who will progress to the knockout stages of the tournament. South Africa are currently third in the group while Nigeria are second, both tied on three points but Nigeria ahead on goal difference.
The last time the two sides met was in 2015 at the Africa Under-17 Championship where South Africa won 1-0 in the knockout stages (semifinals).
South African under-17 national team coach Duncan Crowie admitted that the encounter on Saturday will not be easy and they will not focus on what’s happening in other groups for their fate but will look to do the job against Nigeria.
“To a certain degree we are ready as far as our game against Nigeria is concerned. Yes, we still have one final training session and a video session before training to give the players an idea of what Nigeria is all about, their strong points and where we can hurt them. We have seen Nigeria play and they are a quality team,” added the Amajimbos mentor.
“We know a wounded animal is dangerous [Nigeria lost to Morocco] but I am looking forward to a good game.”
Gomolemo Kekana, who has started both games at the under-17 Afcon, also believes it will be a good game and the players' mentality is the same in terms of approaching the game against Nigeria.
“I could say that we have prepared well for the game and we are in the right frame of mind and we thank the coaches for how they have prepared us and showed us the mistakes we made and we just need to keep working hard and play our football,” said Kekana.