Mokoena: Afcon clash vs. Namibia not a must-win

As they are still licking their wounds from a 2-0 loss, Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena explains why the Afcon clash against Namibia is not a must-win.

Bafana are scheduled to lock horns against neighbours on Sunday in their second Group E Afcon clash – Mokoena speaks about the crucial match.

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The Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana midfielder says they are not under pressure to win against the Brave Warriors of Namibia but they must avoid a defeat.

Judging the log table, Hugo Broos and his Bafana troops sit at the bottom with zero points compared to Namibia who have three from a historical win over Tunisia.

MOKWENA: AFCON CLASH VS. NAMIBIA IS NOT A MUST-WIN

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Despite the unwanted result against the Eagles of Mali, Mokwena still believes they should have done better as Bafana played good football.

At the same time, the Masandawana midfielder, Mokoena, and Bafana players will meet their club teammate in Namibia skipper, Peter Shalulile.

“It’s not really a must-win [the game against Namibia],” Mokoena told Safa media.

“But we must get a result against Namibia. Of course, I will not be happy [if we don’t win the game] but we must not lose.”

The former SuperSport United industrious midfielder, Mokoena adds Bafana were tactically organised in the opening half but they were let down by their physique.

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“Tactically, I think we were good in the first half. We created some few chances to score,” adds Mokoena.

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“But second half they [Mali] were more physical because you know physically as South Africans, we are not really strong.

“It’s a tough pill to swallow because I watched the game and I believe we could have done better.

“Going forward, we just need to be clinical [in front of goal] – we get one chance and score, that’s all we need to do.”

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To Mokoena’s partner in the heart of midfield, Sphephelo Sithole, the KZN-born international adds that a win is what will bring relief to the Bafana camp.

“In this situation we find ourselves in, I think we need to win the game,” Sithole adds.

“Just to be on the safe side, a win for us will be more than good enough.”

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