Orlando Pirates defender Olisa Ndah in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa expressed belief that Bafana Bafana have what it takes to overcome Cameroon in their Africa Cup of Nations last-16 clash in Rabat on Sunday.
Hugo Broos’ side will face the Indomitable Lions at Al Medina Stadium as South Africa continue their quest for a first AFCON title since 1996. Cameroon, meanwhile, are four-time champions and last lifted the trophy in 2017 in Gabon.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa, Ndah – a Nigerian international – said South Africa should not be underestimated.
“Bafana Bafana have a good chance against Cameroon because they have quality players; they just need to find consistency. They finished third in the last edition, so they cannot be ruled out,” he told Footy-Africa.
Cameroon topped their group in Morocco with seven points from a possible nine despite a turbulent build-up to the tournament. South Africa finished with six points but conceded in all three group matches, losing to Egypt after a controversial Mohamed Salah penalty before edging past Angola and Zimbabwe.
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Ndah believes the group-stage defensive issues can be addressed.
“They had issues at the back and conceded a couple of goals, but that was during the group phase. Sometimes the priority is simply to do everything possible to get out of the group. Now they have time to look at their mistakes and work on them, which puts them in a good position to challenge Cameroon,” Ndah said.
Historically, the two sides have met nine times, with South Africa winning three, Cameroon one, and five matches ending in draws.
“It will be a tricky encounter because when you are the underdog, you need to give 110 percent to get a result,” he added.
Bafana Bafana’s squad is dominated by players from South Africa’s Premier Soccer League, including Mamelodi Sundowns pair Ronwen Williams and Teboho Mokoena. Ndah believes midfielder Mokoena could play a decisive role if he finds top form.
“He can definitely raise his game—we have seen him play much better than he is doing now. However, we also need to consider that he has been playing every week for Sundowns and barely gets rested. He can make the difference”
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Cameroon’s only victory over South Africa came in a 2-1 friendly win on 9 July 1992. Since then, Bafana Bafana are unbeaten in seven matches against the Indomitable Lions, winning two and drawing five.
The last three meetings between the sides have all ended in draws, including a friendly on 10 January 2015 and both encounters during qualification for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.
