Ivory Coast defender Guela Doué says the reigning AFCON champions are fully aware of the expectations that come with their status and are determined to achieve one of the tournament’s toughest feats – successfully defending the title.
Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams has praised the AFCON debutants in the squad, saying he has been impressed by how quickly they have risen to the occasion.
Bafana Bafana midfielder Sphephelo Sithole believes the growing respect SA are commanding from their continental rivals at AFCON is a direct reflection of the unity within the squad.
Tunisia began their AFCON campaign in emphatic fashion with a 3-1 victory over Uganda in a Group C encounter played in Rabat, a result that ended a 12-year wait for an opening-match win at the finals.
Nigeria put missing on FIFA World Cup qualification behind them after making a winning start at the Africa Cup of Nations following a 2-1 victory against Tanzania at the Fez Stadium in Morocco.
Senegal began their Africa Cup of Nations campaign in convincing fashion with a dominant 3-0 win over Botswana, with Nicolas Jackson scoring twice to underline the defending champions' authority.