Bafana Bafana’s 2-2 draw against Uganda in the AFCON qualifiers has raised concerns, leaving Hugo Broos with critical decisions ahead of the crucial match against South Sudan on Tuesday, 10 The team needs to secure a win to strengthen their position in Group K.
Bafana vs South Sudan: Five Key Areas Broos Should Focus On
- Defensive Reinforcements
- The match against Uganda exposed vulnerabilities in South Africa’s defence, with Uganda managing to breach their lines twice. More importantly, Bafana goalkeeper Veli Mothwa was involved in the second goal conceded. This will need Broos to tighten up the defence in the goalpost, and make way for Ricardo Goss or Sipho Chaine.
- Moreover, he could potentially keep Aubrey Modiba and Rushwin Dortley to add solidity at the back. Additionally, the midfield needs to provide better protection to the backline, ensuring they aren’t easily overrun by South Sudan’s attack.
- Midfield Control
- Against Uganda, Bafana midfield struggled to control the tempo of the game, often losing possession in crucial areas. Despite their dominance at the beginning of the game, Broos might consider giving Thalente Mbatha more game time, especially after Bafana’s crucial second goal. His ability to dictate play and break up opposition attacks could be vital in maintaining possession and creating chances for the forwards.
- Attacking Prowess
- While South Africa managed to score two goals against Uganda, they missed several opportunities to put the game beyond doubt. There’s no denying Oswin Apollis’ strategic playing saved the day after feeding into the attacks, however, this was not enough to secure victory for Bafana. More chances will need to be created and converting them into goals. Broos could also consider bringing in Relebohile Mofokeng or Iqraam Rayeners alongside Lyle Foster to add more firepower upfront.
- Mental Resilience
- The draw against Uganda was a setback, and it’s essential that the players don’t let this affect their confidence. Broos needs to instil a sense of belief in the team, reminding them of their capabilities and the importance of the match against South Sudan.
- Set Piece Efficiency
- Set-pieces can be a valuable source of goals, and Bafana Bafana must capitalize on these opportunities. Broos should emphasize the importance of both attacking and defending set-pieces. This includes practising accurate delivery and effective positioning during corners and free-kicks, as well as organizing the defensive structure to prevent South Sudan from exploiting these situations.
AFCON Qualifiers: Conclusion
As Bafana Bafana faces South Sudan, focusing on these key areas will be crucial for securing a positive result and securing four points in the group. With strategic adjustments and a concentrated effort, South Africa can build on their performance and achieve their goals in the tournament.
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