With their first match of the 2023 AFCON billed for Tuesday against Mali, South Africa have a daunting task ahead of them to make a case for themselves as they chase a second AFCON title with success elusive of the 'Raggae Boys' since the 2000s, Nigeriasoccernet.com writes.
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has shared his thoughts on the injury concerns that have affected his team ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire.
Captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams is currently being managed by the medical team due to a knee niggle, midfielder Themba Zwane took a knock on the knee a few days ago while Mothobi Mvala had a groin injury.
The team departed from Johannesburg to Abidjan on Thursday 11 January 2024 and will make their residence in CAN Village in Korhogo their home from Friday.
Although South Africa participated in the Africa Cup of Nations much later than many African countries (the country was scheduled to participate in inaugural 1957 Africa Cup of Nations but was excluded because of apartheid, as they participated for the first time as host of 1996 edition, South Africa has soon established itself as an emerging African power.
The first edition South Africa participated was a complete success, with the team conquered their first, and only African trophy, on their debut. Since then, South Africa continues to participate and remains a reckoned force, though success has been elusive since the 2000s.
Outside the 1996 edition, South Africa also hosted 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and managed to advance to the quarter-finals. They again reached the quarter-finals in the 2019 edition of the tournament.
By Olaleye Oluwadamilola