AFCON 2015 Todays Fixtures: 5:00 PM - Ghana vs Algeria 8:00 PM - South Africa vs Senegal SOUTH-AFRICA vs SENEGAL Darren Keet had all eyes on him when Slimanis shot went between his legs to make it 3 for Algeria last time out, you can imagine the look on Shakes Mashabas face when he watched that one go in, many fans around the country would have remembered the late Senzo Meyiwa who was in fine form in goal before his unfortunate demise. Thats all in the past though, they need to put behind the 1-3 loss by trying to correct their mistakes today. Another player who must have put himself on the bad list for soccer fans in South-Africa is striker Tokelo Rantie who many labelled selfish and capped it up with criticising his penalty miss, the Bournemouth striker can be fantastic on his good day but maybe afcon 2015 as a whole wont bring him any good day. Bafana-bafana need to build on their confidence level and the likes of Kermit Erasmus and Ndulula need to be calm in front of goal if theyre going to get the desired result. On the other hand, their opponents call themselves the Lions of Teranga and would be looking to roar into action to secure qualification into the knock-out phase. Victory is what Alain Giresses side need and it will be a bit easier for them than it was against Ghana owing to the fact that they went into that fixture as the underdogs, if they keep up their fine performance then another victory will be on the cards. Senegal look like the most complete team in this tournament, the strike force is undoubtedly the most dangerous with the likes of Papis Cisse and Moussa Sow in their ranks. It will be wise enough to remember that they beat Ghana without Cisse and in form Southampton forward Sadio Mane, showing the whole of Africa that any other lion in their pride can roar just the same way the highly rated Cisse and Mane can. Trying to picture how the likes of Matlaba, Anele Ncgonca and Mathoto will contend with Mame Birame Diouf and co, its just unthinkable. Thulani Hlatshwayo needs his confidence back after scoring an own goal against Algeria and Siyabonga Nhlapo will look to continue from where he stopped, coming in to replace the injure Rivaldo Coetzee. Its just obvious the South-Africans will concede goals, but where they can at least win something will be the midfield if highly experienced Letsholonyane should start alone side inspirational captain Dean Furman. A 4-4-2 formations should be the idea here with Phala (who scored against Algeria) also starting alone side Jali as attacking midfielders. Its obvious Tokelo Rantie needs a partner going forward, they have old war horse Bernard Parker, he should be brought in to replace either Erasmus or young Ndulula with either one of them starting along side Rantie. Looking at Senegal though, you will want to remember that last minute sweep from captain and goal keeper Coundoul which led to Moussa Sows winner against Ghana. Coundoul is a fine goal keeper, well disciplined and knows how to co-ordinate his defence. Expect to see Djilobodji and Karam Bodji in defence again with Souare on the left and giant Ludovic Sane making up the back four. Lamina Gassama came on against Ghana but didnt look impressive for me, he gave away the ball too often and didnt look confident. They only allowed one goal from their six qualifying games and have allowed just one so far which came from the penalty spot against Ghana. They look solid at the back and physical in midfield with dead ball specialist Pape Diop wearing the number 5 jersey, he can hold on to the ball and spray the passes, Westhams midfield player also Moussa Kouyate brings his lanky figure to the middle of the park with his fine runs as he likes to join the attack with some penetration of the opposition defence. Stephane Badji is another calm midfield player, we all saw how he silenced the Ghanians last time out, winning free-kicks and frustrating the opposition defence continuously. There is Alfred Ndiaye also, physically built with good eye for goal and how can one possibly forget Ndoye with his tricky moves and fine finishing? Its a do or die affair for Mashabas troops and if he wants a DO I expect to see at least two changes from the side that started against Algeria but a DIE situation is looking more likely except a miracle comes to play with referees wrong decision or the Teranga lions fail to roar. Highly experienced french tactician comes up against Shakes Mashaba who was on a 12game unbeaten run before previously losing to Algeria, Giresses tactics may win this one if you ask me, he is just ahead of his opponent and player for player both physically and tactically, the Senegalese look like they have an upper hand, so... Verdict: South-Africa 0-3 Senegal
Posted on: Sat, 24 Jan 2015 18:48:36 +0000
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