Bafana Bafana head into their final group game of the 2015 African Cup of Nations against Ghana needing a win if they want to see themselves in the knockout phase of the competition.
Coach Shakes Mashaba has rung four changes to the side that will face the Black Stars tonight, notably with Rivaldo Coetzee returning to the starting line-up.
In this do-or-die fixture, much of the attention will not only be focused on Bafana’s strike force, but also their central defence. Proving to be almost unshakable during qualifiers, the trusted pair of Coetzee and Erick Mathoho has no doubt worked for coach Mashaba.
This could well be the duo’s biggest test yet in their young careers, as they come up against some of the finest African talent. In Bafana’s opening fixture against Algeria, Coetzee suffered an early injury which ultimately changed the complexion of the game for South Africa - as they ended up losing 3-1.
Returning, and reuniting with Tower, Riva’s presence and composure could ease the pressure on the defensive line, as the duo have formed a strong partnership over the last few months.
Yes, it would no doubt come down to a collective team effort, as everyone would be required to play with pride and purpose in such a big game. However, there will be a lot of responsibility on Tower and Riva when it comes to shutting down the talented Ghanaian attack.
Will Coetzee and Mathoho cope in this must-win encounter?
