Bafana look to build on promising AFCON showing
South Africa will look to build on their promising showing at the recent Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) when they face Andorra in a ‘Fifa Series’ international friendly, set for Stade du 19 Mai 1956 in Annaba, Algeria, on the evening of Thursday 21 March.
Kick-off is at 11pm CAT.
South Africa finished third at the 2023 Afcon in Ivory Coast in January and February, with coach Hugo Broos overseeing Bafana Bafana’s best Nations Cup showing in almost a quarter of a century.
The national team’s next major ambition will be securing a ticket to the 2026 World Cup, with qualification matches against Nigeria and Zimbabwe scheduled for early June. The Belgian coach also wants to see Bafana progress up the Fifa Rankings table (they are 58th and 10th in the world and Africa respectively).
“So, a tough team, a team who will wait and try to be dangerous in transition,” noted Broos. “On the other side, you have Algeria [which SA will face on March 26], ranked fifth in the CAF rankings. So, that means you have two different styles, and it is good for our team to play against Andorra, but certainly to play against such a good team like Algeria. They have a new coach, they will have new players also in their selection.
“So, it will be a good test for those new players who are with us to prove themselves. Therefore, those friendly games are important, and you have to get the results if you want to keep your 10th place or maybe progress even further in the CAF rankings.”
Broos initially selected a squad with more of an eye toward youth and freshness compared to the Afcon roster, though injuries have since necessitated the call-ups of veterans Siyanda Xulu and Thabang Monare.
He has also had to deal with the late arrival of Mamelodi Sundowns players
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