Bafana Bafana must secure a win against Czechia in their second Fifa World Cup Group A match to keep their knockout stage dreams alive, leveraging strategic adjustments and key players like Oswin Appollis and Relebohile Mofokeng. Picture: KHALED DESOUKI / AFP
Image: KHALED DESOUKI / AFP
The equation is fairly simple for Bafana Bafana in their second Fifa World Cup Group A match against Czechia on Thursday: don’t lose.
While the 2-0 defeat to Mexico in their opening game just under a week ago was far from ideal, it was also a performance that could have resulted in a much heavier scoreline.
The fact that Bafana limited the damage and avoided conceding three or more goals could yet prove crucial heading into their final two group matches.
Mexico are ranked 15th in the FIFA world rankings, South Korea 22nd and Czechia 43rd. Bafana, by comparison, sit 61st.
Avoiding defeat against Czechia must therefore be the primary objective. However, given the rankings, this is theoretically Bafana’s most winnable match of the group stage.
For that reason, all three points should be the target. Anything less would leave South Africa under immense pressure heading into their final group match and needing favours elsewhere.
Another factor working in Bafana’s favour is that coach Hugo Broos now has a clearer picture of what did and didn’t work against Mexico.
South Africa struggled badly in attack and rarely looked like troubling the Mexican defence, which could persuade Broos to start Oswin Appollis.
Appollis was introduced with just 15 minutes remaining after Mexico had already scored twice. Yet he was arguably Bafana’s standout performer during the qualification campaign and could prove pivotal if given a bigger role.
There are also other attacking options who may force their way into contention, including Relebohile Mofokeng. The 21-year-old Orlando Pirates star will be eager to showcase his talent on football’s biggest stage and could provide the spark Bafana lacked in their opening match.
Ultimately, victory would put South Africa right back in the hunt for a place in the knockout rounds. A draw would at least keep their hopes alive heading into the final group game.
Defeat, however, would leave Bafana staring at an early exit and one foot on the flight home.