The clock is ticking, as time is drawing closer to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations begins tomorrow as the hosts Cote d’Ivoire square it off with Guinea Bissau.
Mark Williams, former striker of South Africa, has shared his view on the AFCON, especially on the part of his country South Africa.
Williams believes that a win for Bafana Bafana in the first game against will be of utmost importance.
“For me, what is very important is winning the first match. Win the next game against Namibia, and then definitely we are going to the next round.” Williams told reporters at Bafana Bafana’s breakfast send-off at Southern Sun Hotel before departing to the OR Tambo International Airport yesterday morning.
“It’s not an easy group, especially when we talk about Mali they are always a difficult side. Tunisia is also another difficult side. They are structured and will make you uncomfortable.
“They are making sure they block everything, and if you lose concentration as teams do, they punish you.”
“But for me, winning the first match against Mali is a must because it gives the players confidence with 3 points. Then you get to play Namibia.
“Once you beat them, you don’t have to worry about Tunisia. You play other players and the others rest,” said the 1996 AFCON winner.
With Bafana Bafana being without Lyle Foster, Williams thinks it’s a big blow because the player is on form to help the team. He thinks Foster could have helped the team to score goals.
Bafana Bafana landed in Abidjan yesterday as the team is set to touch down at their base in Korhogo today.
The 1996 AFCON winners are paired in a Group E with Mali, Tunisia, and neighbours Namibia.
