Bafana must not be complacent
2005-03-24 19:10
Johannesburg - Despite having beaten Uganda 1-0 in their first game in Kampala last year October, Bafana Bafana can ill-afford to underestimate the Cranes when they meet in the second encounter at FNB Stadium on Saturday. (Kick off time is 16:00).
The South Africans, who will enjoy home ground advantage in this crucial 2006 World Cup and African Cup of Nations qualifier, top Group 2 with nine points.
The Cranes, who arrived in Johannesburg on Thursday midday, are perched at the bottom of the table with only four points. But it will be foolhardy for Bafana Bafana to go into the game with the mindset that they are superior to the Cranes.
Bafana Bafana, who will be led by captain Aaron "Mbazo" Mokoena, are still to lose a game against Uganda. Striker Benny McCarthy, who scored the only goal against Uganda at the Mandela National Stadium last year, is nowhere to be seen.
No official explanation was given about his non-appearance during Bafana Bafana's training session at the Soccer City on Thursday.
All coach Stuart Baxter could say was that the Portugal-based forward, who plays for FC Porto, was expected on Friday.
Baxter has warned all South Africans not to make the mistake of underestimating Uganda's strength in this group.
"In their first match in June, they beat DR Congo 1-0 before losing two matches by 1-0 to Cape Verde and South Africa. They also lost 2-0 to Burkina Faso but they held Ghana to a one-all draw," said Baxter.
Uganda will mean business
"I urge the players, supporters and the media to treat this match with all the seriousness it deserves. We need to show Uganda that we mean business by dominating play right from the outset. They are not going to be pushovers."
Three points is what matters most for Bafana Bafana prior to their last four remaining matches.
They have beaten DR Congo 1-0, Burkina Faso 2-0 and Cape Verde by 2-1 but lost 3-0 to Ghana.
Bafana Bafana will be away to Cape Verde and Ghana in June. They will face the Burkinabe in Ougadougou in September and will host DR Congo in October.
- SAPA