AFCON Draw: Bafana Bafana Analysis

On Thursday Confederation of African Football (CAF) conducted a draw for the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) to be held in Ivory Coast. Bafana Bafana were placed alongside Tunisia, Mali, and Namibia. The group looks not difficult for Bafana to progress to the next round. Let’s analyse Bafana’s opponents on how they played on qualifications, their top players, and head-to-head against Bafana.

Tunisia

Tunisia confirmed its passage to Ivory Coast on top of a group that had Botswana, Equatorial Guinea, and Libya. In the six matches, Tunisia recorded four victories, one draw, and one loss to finish on 13 points alongside Guinea but had a better goal difference. What is significant in their qualifications is that they only conceded a single goal which makes them a nation with the best defense side amongst all the qualified nations for the next year’s tournament. The North African, who are ranked 29th in the world scored 11 goals in the process.

Their squad is made of the young refreshing talent spearheaded by Anis Ben Slimani, a 22-year-old midfielder who plays in the English Premier League for Sheffield United. Amongst notable names include Manchester United midfielder Hannibal Mejbri and captain Yousef Msakni who ply trade for Qatari outfit Al Arabi and has 91 caps in the national team.

History In The Tournament

Tunisia is regularly boosting with 21 qualifications and won the 2004 edition of the tournament as hosts beating Morocco in the final. A recent good performance came in 2019, when they reached the semi-finals losing to the eventual winners Senegal. 

Head To Head (Against South Africa)

Tunisia has faced South Africa six times with both sides having 3 victories apiece. In the Afcon tournament, these nations have clashed three times with Bafana winning once during the 1996 final through Mark Williams’s brace. Then Tunisia won 2-0 and 3-1 in the 2006 and 2008 editions respectively.

Mali

Despite being in a building phase under new manager Eric Chelle, Mali were unstoppable in qualifications winning five matches out of six and losing one in their group consisting of Gambia, South Sudan, and Congo. Interestingly, Mali only conceded two goals while scoring 15 goals which makes them dangerous when it comes to attacking.

The Eagles has a full range of players spread across Europe including Cheick Doucoure, a tough and hard-tackling midfielder who plays for Crystal Palace, captain Hamari Traore – a regular at Real Sociedad of Spain and dangerous striker Adana Traore who is on the books of Hull City in the English Championship.

History In The Tournament

Mali’s best performance was to finish as runners-up in the 1972 edition. Then they are known to many for a classic 4 nil down performance to draw 4-4 against Angola during the tournament in 2010.

Head To Head (Against South Africa)

Mali have clashed three times against Bafana Bafana with, the Eagles leading 2-1 in head to head. Both of those victories came in the Afcon tournament, with 2-0 in the 2002 Quarter-finals. Then a penalty shootout win in the 2013 edition again in the quarter-finals stage.

Namibia

Under a new generation of players, Namibia has turned out to be one of the promising nations. Coach Collins Benjamin, who took over last year, have delivered so far for taking the nation to yet another African nation showpiece with limited resources. Despite playing qualification matches in a neutral venue, South Africa, brave warriors managed to finish second behind Cameroon in a group completed by Burundi as the last team.

Their effort includes suffering one loss in those four games. It no doubt all eyes will be on the country’s all-time leading goalscorer Peter Shalulile to deliver in front of goals. Shalulile’s experience of playing in Africa for Mamelodi Sundowns will be crucial if Namibia stands a chance to go far in the tournament.

History in The tournament

It going to be the fourth time Namibia has ever graced the tournament. Their last appearance came in 2019 and haven’t gone past group stages.

Head To Head (Against South Africa)

Namibia has met South Africa in 11 matches in total and are yet to find a victory. In the Afcon tournament, they have twice with a recent encounter coming in 2016 where Bafana won 1-0. Their first meeting came in 1998, where Benni McCarthy scored four goals in a 4-1 victory.

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