Despite the mishaps regarding injuries and the late venue change, Bafana Bafana coach Hugo has conceded that the game against Lesotho is a must-win and that they should not underestimate their neighbours.
Bafana will face Lesotho at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein, after a joint decision by FIFA and CAF to move their Group C World Cup qualifier from Free State Stadium due to poor pitch conditions.
“When we saw the pitch last week, it was awful, such a bad pitch,” Broos said during a press conference at Dobsonville Stadium on Monday afternoon.
“CAF and FIFA contacted us at the weekend and informed us that we cannot play on that pitch. We contacted Lesotho, but they didn’t know anything about it.
“But we don’t have to focus on that; this is out of our power. We just must focus on the game because it’s a must-win match, and we cannot afford to lose points against Lesotho.
“The biggest mistake we can ever make is to underestimate our opponents. TThey are our neighbours, and we understand how challenging it can be to face tricky neighbours. We must be careful and keep the pressure on.”
Injury issues
Broos is also reeling from the withdrawal of some of his key players from the squad due to injury.
The latest players to withdraw are Orlando Pirates star Patrick Maswanganyi and Hannover 96 defender Ime Okon.
Pirates marquee player Sipho Mbule and Stellenbosch FC’s Thabo Moloisane have since replaced the duo.
“This is one of the most difficult preparations I’ve had since I’ve been the coach of Bafana Bafana. We have many injuries to important players,” Broos added.
Bafana are currently leading the group with 13 points after six matches and have a five-point cushion over second-placed Rwanda and third-placed Benin, who are both on eight points.
African powerhouse Nigeria find themselves in an unwanted position in fourth place with seven points, while Lesotho are a point behind in fifth, with Zimbabwe rooted at the bottom of the group with four points.
So, should Bafana get positive results in the two games, they will edge even closer to securing a place in the global showpiece by qualification for the first time since 2002.
After Lesotho, Broos’ men will shift their focus to the Super Eagles for their clash at Free State Stadium next Tuesday.
