Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has emphasized that the team doesn’t require any additional motivation for their upcoming match against Congo.
A victory on Tuesday would secure their place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco.
Bafana Bafana will travel to Brazzaville to face Congo at the Stade Alphonse Massamba-Débat. The South Africans dominated their first encounter against Congo, winning 5-0 at home. However, Broos has cautioned his players that the return leg will be a different challenge, particularly given the unfamiliar synthetic pitch at the Congolese stadium.
“We are ready because we know that a victory will qualify us,” said Broos.
“There is no other motivation than this. This would be the second time South Africa would have qualified for the AFCON under my leadership, and we want to achieve that on Tuesday.
“After the first leg’s result, Tuesday’s match will be different. If you lose 5-0, it’s an elimination, and I’m sure Congo will want revenge.
“They will be highly motivated to beat us. If they lose, it’s over for them. We know what to expect and we are going to play against a team that may be different because at home we were leading 3-0 at halftime, and now it’s a new game.
“On Friday, it was a wonderful night, but Tuesday will be something else, and we are aware of that.”
Burkina Faso became the first nation to book their spot via qualification for the AFCON finals after defeating Burundi 2-0 on Sunday.