Baxter Reiterates Bafana’s Determination to Beat Libya

Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter reiterated South Africa’s determination to secure a ticket to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations finals scheduled for Egypt in June this year.

South Africa need to grab a win against Libya on Sunday 24th March to ensure their qualification for the bi-annual showpiece.

And the former Supersport United gaffer is confident of a victory at the Stade Taieb Mhiri in Sfax, Tunisia.

“We are well aware of what we need to do – the mission is clear, win your match and you are safe. It is very dangerous to play for a draw as it can come back to bite you – the match will dictate how we handle things but our approach from the onset is to go out there and win the match,” said Baxter.

Bafana Bafana are in the second position in Group E and need just a point to book their place at the 2019 AFCON tournament, which will be held June in Egypt. Nigeria, who are also in Group E, have already qualified for the showpiece.

South Africa are on nine points, just one adrift of the Super Eagles, but two ahead of Libya.

“They want it as much as we do, so it is going to be a battle royale in Tunisia and I am confident my players will be ready for it. I am optimistic they will leave everything on the field to make sure we cross that line,” he added.

As part of preparations for the match, Bafana will not have a camp in the country and will assemble on Saturday, 16 March at OR Tambo International Airport before flying out to Frankfurt in Germany to connect to Tunisia where they will begin their preparations in Sfax.

South Africa is the only side in Group E that is yet to lose a game after five rounds of matches. They have conceded only one goal – in the 1-1 draw against Nigeria.

Libya, on the other hand, have won two and drawn the same number of fixtures – and they are the highest scoring team in the group with 15 goals, but have conceded second highest goals – nine.