AFCON 2015 Todays Fixtures: 7:00 PM - Senegal vs Algeria 7:00 PM - South Africa vs Ghana SOUTH-AFRICA vs GHANA When the Bafana-Bafana played out a 2-2 draw against afcon defending champions away in akwa-ibom in the last qualifying fixture, the boys from southern africa thought they had just won the world cup. Most began to compare Tokelo Rantie with Brazilian legend Ronaldo de lima, others labelled him the best striker in Africa owing to the fact that the Bournemouth forward scored a brace against Nigeria. Take nothing away from the South-Africans, they were superb throughout the qualifying series, going unbeaten in all 6matches and stretching their unbeaten run to 9 when they played three friendly games prior to the tournament beating Ivory-Coast, playing a 1-1 draw against Cameroon and thrashing Mali 3-0. Now at the tournament proper, JUNGLE DON MATURE and the boys are now being separated from the men. Bafana-Bafana as they call themselves means Go BOYS, Go BOYS and they have really played like boys against men from Algeria and Senegal failing to win any of those with just 1point from a possible 6. Many have began to rue to exclusion of Ajax midfield player Thulani Serero claiming he was instrumental in their games against Congo and Nigeria but then Captain Dean Furman and Manyisa have held it down well in the midfield. They havent played all badly, some have labelled them just unlucky. Andile Jali has maintained top form but it is clear the midfielder isnt conversant with sure high level of football at this tournament. Coach Shakes Mashaba has returned to his real self and now being referred to as Ephriam Mashaba, the gaffer released his starting 11 about 10hours before kick off against Algeria and it was to his own detriment. Goal keeper Darren Keet was woeful and replaced in the last game by Jackson Mabokgwane who gave a good account of himself. In defence, Anele Ngcongca, Eric Mathoho Siyabonga Nhlapo and Thulani Hlatshwayo havent been so good, they need to do more especially when it comes to defending against dead ball situations. Coming up against a rejuvenated Black stars, it will be difficult to see South-Africa escape defeat owing to the fact that the quality in the Ghanian team surpasses that of their opponents. We saw Gyan Asamoah return for his team last time and make the difference, the all time record top scorer will be looking to add to his tally and it is very much possible coming up against the likes of inexperienced Matlaba and Zwane in the South-African set up. Avran Grant made changes last time out and it paid off, Aygemang Badu and Afriye Acquah maintained composure in the midfield with Jordan and Andre Ayew running the flanks. The likes of Oupa Masango, and Manyisa will need to do everything possible to compete in that midfield against their more experienced opponents, they will be looking up to captain Dean Furman to lead and inspire the team in order to get the much desired result. Subisiso Vilakazi was unstoppable during the qualifying stages but since returning from injury, the striker has witnessed a slight set back in his game play. He needs to get his confidence back and start making those open runs for the midfielders to locate him, Bogdani Ndulula needs to learn to put himself in goal scoring positions, with a height of 192cm he should be trouble for the black stars centre back pairing of Jonathan Mensah and maybe John Boye or Daniel Amartey. Thuso Phala is another player the Black stars should try to keep in their pocket, he is quick and knows how to score, box to box midfielder who cancels out defenders with his outburst of pace. Another player who must have put himself on the black list for soccer fans in South-Africa is striker Tokelo Rantie, many labelled selfish and are unable to quit criticising his penalty miss in the opening fixture. He needs to win the hearts of fans back, his fine runs and penetration of the opposition defence will be needed today. With his bulky look, it will be difficult for Jonathan Mensah and the rest to keep him under their control. The Bournemouth striker is undoubtedly the key for his teams ambition of unlocking defences at this competition. Now to talk about the Black Stars back 4, we have Harrison Afful on the right, Ausburg left back Baba Rahman and Jonathan Mensah combining with Copenhagens Amartey to form the centre-half partnership. In goal they have Razak Brimah who was barely tested against the Algerians, he should be ready today though, the boys in gold and green will give it their all in order to keep their slim chance of advancing to the next stage alive. Do not forget the brilliance of wide men like Celtics Mubarak Wakaso and Evertons Christian Atsu, these two are dangerous with Wakaso having the ability to deliver dead balls and his near 100% accuracy when it comes to passing and locating team mates from distance. Wakaso also knows how to score too, his work rate is unbelievably high even if he has to come from the bench most times. All said, it will be difficult to see Grant lose to Mashaba today, a draw will definitely kick the latter out of this competition while the former will need Senegal to do his team a favour if it ends in a draw. After critical analysis, I have come to conclusion and my findings state that there will be no way the black stars wouldnt get maximum points from their opponents tonight. Ill like to go for a Ghana win against South-Africa. Verdict: South-Africa 0-2 Ghana
Posted on: Tue, 27 Jan 2015 10:04:20 +0000
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