Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana central defender, Tefu Mashamaite, believes that Sunday's Chan Group A clash with Nigeria is a crucial encounter. Gordon Igesund's team top the group on goal difference ahead of Mali and are one point ahead of Nigeria.
The Super Eagles got themselves back into contention to qualify for the quarterfinals when they routed Mozambique 4-2 in their last game. Mali are widely expected to give group whipping boys, Mozambique, a good hiding as well.
This means Bafana's clash with Nigeria could be a winner-takes-all encounter. A win for Nigeria could see Bafana drop out of the competition if Mali were to win their game. However, a win or draw for Bafana and they would advance to the later stages of the competition.
Nonetheless, Chiefs defender Mashamaite has advised about the team having any complacency ahead of the game. He told his club's official website, “We still have a good chance. We will continue competing and working hard to get a result against Nigeria on Sunday. The game against Nigeria will not be easy just like any other game. Every game we play is a do or die.”
The action gets underway from 19h00 from Cape Town Stadium.
