Watch: President backs Bafana Bafana to score quarter-final spot

Cyril Ramaphosa has rallied behind the national soccer side ahead of its crucial Africa Cup of Nations tie tonight.

January 30, 2024
Caxton Reporter 2 minutes read
Photo: Video screenshot.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has sent his support to Bafana Bafana, who face a daunting task in their Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 tie with Morocco tonight.

Ramaphosa says he is optimistic that the national side will triumph at the Stade de San Pédro in Ivory Coast. The game kicks off at 22:00.

“They are going to win, without any doubt. I’d like you to send them a good luck message… The whole nation is behind them and we want them to play their hearts out. Once they win tonight, it basically means they will bring the cup home. Good luck to the boys,” Ramaphosa says.

South Africa last won the tournament in 1996, beating Tunisia to lift the coveted trophy.

It has been years since those glory days, and Bafana Bafana face a mighty battle. Morocco finished fourth in the 2022 Fifa World Cup, while South Africa failed to qualify. However, coach Hugo Broos said at a press conference yesterday that the players are well prepared and have a good shot at victory.

“Morocco are coming from a great world cup run in Qatar and being the best in Africa, so we are aware of what we are up against. We beat them in Johannesburg – in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at a vociferous FNB Stadium on June 17, 2023 – and that gives us hope and confidence. But this is a different time and tournament, and some players are different too. So we cannot think for a minute that it will be the same; certainly not.”

Countries already in the 2024 quarter-finals:

  • Angola
  • Cape Verde
  • DR Congo
  • Guinea
  • Ivory Coast
  • Nigeria

Like South Africa and Morocco, Mali and Burkina Faso will also battle tonight for a spot in the next round. Their match kicks off at 19:00.

Read original story on www.citizen.co.za

January 30, 2024
Caxton Reporter 2 minutes read
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