Bafana Bafana lost their opening match to Mali 2-0 on Tuesday and they are at the bottom of Group E after opening round of matches.

Midfielder, Sphephelo Sithole, who is one of only three overseas-based players in the team, believes victory over neighbours Namibia will enhance their chances of reaching the round of 16.

“In this case, I think we need to win the game to be on the safe side but a win can be more than good enough for us”, says Sphephelo.

Bafana languish at the bottom of Group E, which also includes leaders Mali, second-placed Namibia and third-placed Tunisia.

Midfielder Teboho Mokoena says they need to avoid defeat against Namibia to stay in the tournament. “It’s not really a must-win but we must get a result against Namibia of course. I won’t be happy but we must not lose”.

Sphephelo says, “The first game was more difficult because the opponent knew what our strength but I think in the first half we dominated the game and coming into the second half they were more aggressive on us which helped them to control the game”. Bafana missed a penalty in the first half when the experienced vice-captain Percy Tau blasted his shot high.

--SABC--