Bafana Bafana gear up for final push to secure CHAN quarterfinal spot

Bafana play Niger later today (19:00) at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda, in their third match in this group. 

They are currently placed third in the group, equal on four points with Algeria after two games played. 

Bafana play the hosts Uganda at the same venue on Monday, but six points from these two games will see them topping the group.

"We are looking into our strengths and also the past two matches we played, we played different players, we played different formations, in relation to the game itself. What time of the game, what's the score line, what do you want to achieve,” Ntseki said.

“I think going to Niger, we'll also be looking at those aspects of the game to see what time of the game, they normally concede goals at what time of the game. What time of the game do they normally put a threat on their opponents.

“So we'll be doing our match day minus one preparation this afternoon going into the game. We are fully aware that the two remaining games are must win games because if we don't, we will be in a very mathematical position of deciding who'll be going through and who will be staying behind. So, it is up to us to do our part, so that we go through the next phase of the tournament."

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Despite being the whipping boys of the tournament so far, with two losses against Guinea and Uganda, Ntseki says Niger needs to be looked at closely and not underestimated.

"I think, what we have seen with Niger, they have played two different systems where they used five at the back, they used four at the back, they used three at the top. I think that can always be referred to as tactical flexibility that they have in their games and with all of that, the approach has been different,” the coach added.

“The role of each individual player within the system has always been different. So, I think it is for us coming into this match to respect and to recognise their strengths despite the fact that they are still yet to win a game or they haven't won any game. 

“It doesn't mean they are a weaker side or a bad side, it just happened that in the games they played, they conceded goals and they could not score goals. It's a team that is well drilled, they know what is expected of them as a team, as individuals, as groups, within the structure that they are using on the day."