Bafana Could Go Top Of Group D This Weekend
Shakes Mashaba
Bafana Bafana host Group D leaders, Senegal, this weekend knowing that victory could be enough to see them leapfrog their opponents to go top of the table. Read: Banyana Beat Zimbabwe The Teranga Lions come to South Africa in fine form on the back of six straight wins, with their last victory coming as they beat World Cup qualifying opponents, Cape Verde, in their first group game. Shakes Mashaba's side, meanwhile, drew their opening game against Burkina Faso, but sit in second place by virtue of the fact that the draw took place away from home. This weekend's result could prove to be vital to Shakes Mashaba's qualification hopes as he seeks a spot at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, especially given that only the top team from each group will make it through to the global showpiece. With the next round of qualifiers after this only taking place in August of next year, a win at Peter Mokaba Stadium would be welcomed by Mashaba and his team, particularly if it takes them to the top of the group. If Bafana manage to beat Senegal by an equal or better scoreline than what Burkina Faso manage against Cape Verde, then they will spend the next nine months sitting pretty at the summit of Group D. However, should they draw or lose the game then it will be advantage Senegal going into the last four games, and if that result is coupled with a win for the Stallions, then Bafana's World Cup hopes may be on the rocks after just two games.
