South Africa’s Mashaba set for tough Algeria test

Sunday, February 01, 2015 — updated on February 08, 2021

Gabon’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang put aside the trauma of his last Africa Cup of Nations finals appearance with the first goal in a 2-0 win over Burkina Faso in their Group A opener in Bata on Saturday. The French-born striker missed the decisive penalty in a quarter-final shootout against Mali three years ago. PHOTO BY AFP

What you need to know:

Soccer. South Africa were impressive in the qualifiers but face an Algeria side rated the best in Africa today

Malabo. South Africa coach Shakes Mashaba is ready for their Africa Cup of Nations Group C opener against Algeria.
Shakes Mashaba believes his South Africa players are ready for action as they look forward to today’s Afcon Group C encounter with Algeria. Since taking over the reins in July last year, Mashaba has enjoyed an unbeaten start to life in charge of the nation. In nine matches, Bafana Bafana have won five and drawn four, and they come into the tournament in Equatorial Guinea high on confidence.
They have been placed in a tough group alongside Algeria, Senegal and Ghana, but Mashaba believes his side can get their campaign off to a successful start.
“As I have already said, we inherited a very difficult group,” he said.
“We will play Algeria, which is currently number one in Africa. They have very good players.
“The 16 teams expect and want to win their first game of the tournament, that’s for sure. If we win the first, there is less pressure.
“We know that the first game of a competition such as Afcpm is never easy. No one can predict what will happen.
“In any case, we are ready to give everything on the field to snatch a good result. We know that they are a dangerous team and they have many strengths.
“From our side, we are prepared to counter it. Personally, I prefer to speak of my team who also holds strong points. We know what Algeria can do in a game, but the truth today may not be tomorrow’s.”