Herman Gibbs
The loss of key striker Lyle Foster will not detract from Bafana Bafana's determination to nail down an Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualification ticket in tonight's clash against Congo-Brazzaville in Kinshasa.
Foster, one of the goal scorers in Friday's impressive 5-0 victory over the same opponents, was stretchered off in the second half and has not joined the national squad in Congo.
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has expressed that the chance to secure a qualification ticket is the team's primary "motivation" as they prepare to face Congo at the Stade Alphonse Massamba-Debat de Brazzaville for their Group K clash (kick-off 6pm).
"We are ready to qualify for AFCON. There is no other motivation; we want to do it tomorrow," Broos said at yesterday's pre-match presser in Kinshasa. "We are coming off a 5-0 win in the home game, but tomorrow it will be a different game."
Broos acknowledged the likelihood of a vastly changed line-up from the Congolese side as they seek to avenge their previous humiliation.
"If a team loses 5-0, it is a humiliation. I'm sure Congo won't be happy with that, and they will seek revenge," said Broos.
"We know what to expect although their team will be different. Tomorrow is a new game; tomorrow it will be something else."
The local media in Brazzaville were eager to hear from Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams regarding the team’s impressive performance on Friday. He shared insights into their preparation and the systematic approach taken leading up to this significant match.
"We had excellent preparation, starting with a debriefing from the coach, who reflected on our previous match. It was a matter of working on those troublesome areas at the start of the camp," Williams remarked.
"We were determined to do the things the coach expected from us. We did well to rectify those areas, and that gave us a good feeling. It was good preparation for the match."
Williams also noted that Congo made it tough for them after the mini-break due to pitch invasions, highlighting the physical nature of the encounter.
"Congo were very physical," he added, acknowledging the challenge the team faced on the field.