South Africa head coach, Duncan Crowie has said his players are battle ready for their final group game against the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria at the 2023 AFCON U-17.
The young Bafana Bafana beat their COSAFA rivals 3-2 in Constantine on Wednesday to put their TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign back on track.
They had started off with a defeat to Morocco, but a statement win over Zambia was necessary to put their last eight hopes in check.
The South Africans U-17 now switch their attention to their last group match against Nigeria, a tie that still holds huge importance as the two jostle for one of two available automatic qualification slots.
Nigeria is also on three points and whoever wins that duel will finish second. South Africa will be keen to battle for second spot as it will give them a fairer draw in the quarter finals.
Crowie stated that his team will give their all against Nduka Ugbade’s side.
Nothing is done yet. This is a tough group and anything can happen. We still have work to do but at least now we have a win to work with. We will just need a draw in that match to get through,” noted the coach.
The Amajimbos will face the Golden Eaglets at the Stade Mohammed Hamlaoui, Constantine on Saturday.
cc: cafonline