Williams: Bafana Expect Tough Clash Against Benin
Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams anticipates a challenging match against Benin as they aim to maintain their lead in Group C for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The South African national team will face The Cheetahs at Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Ivory Coast on Tuesday evening (18:00).
Despite their previous victory over Benin in the first round, Williams believes this encounter will be a tough top-of-the-table clash.
“It’s going to be a tough one because Benin is a very good team. But we believe in our qualities, we believe in what we’ve been building in the last year,” Williams said.
“So, we are looking forward to the game. It’s going to be a tough one out of challenges, but I think the team is strong enough to come out to those challenges.
“It’s going to be a tough one, but we are excited, and we are looking forward to it. We know how important this game is for the group; we know that we can open a gap and we know that the gap can be closed as well.
“So, this is a big, big, big game in this qualifying round. Obvious it’s a half way mark now, so we want to be there and want to stay on top of the group.”
Bafana is currently lying on top of Group C with 10 points, while Les Guepards are in the second place with eight points after five games each. The AFCON 2023 goalkeeper of tournament goalkeeper added that that how important this game is for Bafana as they are the log leaders.
“Yes, it’s an important game,” Williams added.
“We are on top of the group, but want to stay there and we know how important is this game on Tuesday. They dropped points in the last game, and obviously, they will want to backup.
“It’s a home away from home for them, so we know how important these qualifying games are. We just need to go out there and make sure that the most important thing is the three points and stay on top, then open up the gap.”
Bafana Bafana currently leads Group C with 10 points, while Les Guepards are in second place with eight points, both teams having played five games. The AFCON 2023 Goalkeeper of the Tournament emphasized the significance of this match for the log leaders.
“Yes, it’s an important game,” Williams added.
“We are on top of the group, but want to stay there and we know how important is this game on Tuesday. They dropped points in the last game, and obviously, they will want to backup.
“It’s a home away from home for them, so we know how important these qualifying games are. We just need to go out there and make sure that the most important thing is the three points and stay on top, then open up the gap.”
The last time these two sides met, Bafana Bafana won 2-1 in a 2023 World Cup qualifier at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. Percy Tau and Khuliso Mudau scored the winning goals for South Africa, while Steve Mounié scored Benin’s only goal.
