Lebo Mothiba addresses the media ahead of Bafana Bafana’s clash with the Ivory Coast in Abidjan. Picture: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix.
The Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny is expected to be packed with around 40 000 supporters, and on top of a hostile home crowd, Bafana are also going to face an Elephants side with far more pedigree than Eswatini. Phakaaathi editor Jonty Mark takes a look at three things to look out for in Tuesday night’s match, which kicks off at 9pm SA time.With Zakhele Lepasa missing from the Bafana squad through injury, and Lyle Foster surely more suited to place on the side of the attack, it could well be that the Bafana head coach turns to Mothiba to lead the line against the Elephants.
Mothiba’s ability to hold the ball up could be vital in bringing Bafana’s other attackers, like Foster, into the game.The Ivory Coast will host the Africa Cup of Nations finals early next year, and Bafana Bafana are set to experience the home atmosphere in Abidjan, which should be electric.