By: Saneliso Mlambo
Due to South African soccer team’s performance record in big tournaments, it is no surprise that Mzansi soccer fans are crosing fingers about the national squad’s chances of survival in 2019 African cup of nations.
Bafana Bafana is grouped in group D, with the likes of Ivory Coast, Morocco and Namibia in what has been considered by soccer people as the group of death.
The tournament will start on the 21 June until July 19 in Egypt.
Ahead of this big African event that includes 24 African countries, the history stats in the group is favouring Bafana Bafana to dominate group D.
Bafana’s chances of survival are promising. Having played the three countries a total of 19 times previously, they have lost only to one country in the group.
Former Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns Striker, Lungisani Ndlela has no doubt that Bafana will do well in the tournament.
“The boys are well prepared, and they know very well what is expected from them. I trust they will do their best to make Mzansi a proud nation. We never lost to any country in that group. The only country that ever won against SA is Namibia, and that was back in the early 90’s.”
Namibia is the only country in the group to ever taste a victory against South Africa. Out of eight meetings, Bafana is leading Namibia by 5 impressive wins to 2.
SA’s record against Namibia is: P-8, W-5, D-1, L-2( SA’s second lost on penalties in Castle Cup quarter finals 1999)
South Africa’s record against Ivory Coast favors Stuart Baxter’s boys. in six head to head matches, South Africa are yet to taste a defeat against the “Elephants.” Ivory coast have lost twice, with four matches draw against South Africa.
South Africa is holding an unbeaten record against Morocco. The two have met on five previous occasion, with Bafana coming up on top with 2 wins and 3 draws.
South Africa’s first game will be against Ivory Coast in Cairo, June 24.