Zimbabwe coach warns Bafana of 'psychological' battle in World Cup qualifier
by Thato Bosoga · KickOffAs Bafana Bafana chase a big win against Zimbabwe, head coach Michael Nees insists his team is fired up to push Hugo Broos' side all the way.
Bafana were docked three points and three goals after they forfeited a World Cup qualifier game against Lesotho for fielding an ineligible player, which has seen them drop down to second in Group C, with goal difference separating them from new leaders Benin.
As a result, Hugo Broos' charges have to win their last two games in the section by healthy margins to guarantee finishing top and clinching automatic qualification.
READ: Broos’ Bafana crunch moment: 'I’m not afraid, I don't have a problem with that'
Next up for SA is The Warriors on Friday, in the penultimate match in the group, with the neighbouring country having no chance of qualifying at the bottom with four points.
Nees has revealed why they won't be easy to defeat at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday evening.
"For us it's important, it's a match which counts in the FIFA rankings, it has psychological meaning for the AFCON, because we'll play against each other," Nees said speaking to Gagasi FM.
"It's a derby. Four teams can qualify for the World Cup (in Group C) and the last thing you want to be accused of is somehow not giving your best. We discussed it at length within the association, our responsibility is to give everything that we have.
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"And to really come out of this match with our heads high. We have to be fair sportsmen, South Africa's record speaks for itself since the second game in the AFCON, things changed since then and it looks like the energy was released and pressure gone, South Africa definitely one of the strongest teams in Africa, no doubt about that," the German coach added.
Benin will be away to Rwanda while Nigeria will travel to Lesotho in the penultimate group games, with all these teams having a chance of qualifying.
Matches will play at the same time.