Hugo Broos can’t underestimate less fancied Benin

Bafana Bafana are up against less fancied teams in Benin and Rwanda but coach Hugo Broos demands respect and can’t underestimate the two teams.

Broos is also aware that the lowest-ranked teams such as Benin and Rwanda also want to book spots at the 2026 FIFA World Cup – he can’t underestimate the two.

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The 1996 African Cup of Nations winner, Bafana will first face Guepards at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday before travelling to meet Amavubi on Tuesday.

As they build up to the two back-to-back qualifiers, Broos warns his Bafana players not to underestimate the lowly-ranked sides, Benin and Rwanda.

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HUGO BROOS CAN’T UNDERESTIMATE LESS FANCIED BENIN

Moreover, Hugo Broos hopes they will bring their best performance against Benin when Bafana held their hosts Cote d’Ivoire in an international friendly last month.

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“We have to be confident (that we’ll win both matches) because of the performances we had in the last two years,” Broos said of Benin and Rwanda.

“The performances against Morocco, Liberia, and against Ivory Coast must give us confidence. Maybe it was a good thing we didn’t play well against Namibia and eSwatini then.

“I think the players know that even if you play against Ivory Coast or eSwatini, you need to focus, concentrate and have a good mentality.”

BAFANA BOSS EYEING MORE GOALS IN QUALIFIERS

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The 2010 FIFA World Cup hosts are now looking to replicate their form against the two nations Benin and Rwanda – Broos wants to avoid conceding but scoring more.

“You can avoid problems if you start the game the way we did against Morocco, Ivory Coast, and Liberia away – with a good focus and mentality,” Broos adds.

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“You’ll avoid the problems we had against Namibia and eSwatini. I am confident that we can make two victories in both matches, but we must fight.

“The goal difference is important; we know it from the last qualifiers. But I don’t think we can start the game thinking of scoring as much as possible.

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“Yes, we must score as much as possible. If we can win 3-0, it’s better than 2-1. But the main goal must be to win the game – you can win twice and get six points.

“And then what the other teams do, that’s their problem. Maybe then some of your opponents will be behind and they’ll have to play the next games under pressure.”