Two friendlies confirmed for Bafana Bafana
Bafana Bafana were able to enjoy the support of a large part of the nation at Afcon, but when will the supporters be able to watch them play again?
Bafana Bafana have arrived in South Africa following their third place finish at the 2023 Afcon showpiece.
A 6-5 penalty shootout victory over DR Congo was enough to secure a silver medal for Bafana.
READ | Surfing GOAT Kelly Slater turns 52: Here he is in action
That brought an end to a rather successful campaign for a Bafana side that left South Africa little fanfare. Hugo Broos’ men started off in rather shaky and disappointing fashion, losing 2-0 to eventual group winners Mali. They would quickly dust themselves off by beating neighbours Namibia 4-0. They would conclude their group campaign with a 0-0 draw against Tunisia, securing second place.
That didn’t seem to do Bafana any favours, however, as they were pitted against Morocco. They equipped themselves well against the 2022 FIFA World Cup semifinalist, winning 2-0. Having knocked out the top team in Africa and tournament, the confidence was high. What would be next was a brilliant Ronwen Williams penalty shootout performance to beat Cape Verde.
READ | Orlando Pirates target Ivorian striker
Unfortunately for Bafana it would be a penalty shootout that would knock them out next, losing to Nigeria. But at that point, they had already earned hero status back home. That could possibly translate to the national team garnering new supporters. It could also see them regaining the support of those who had previously lost faith in them.
BAFANA TO TAKE ON ALGERIA AND ANDORRA
Bafana will need those supporters to stick with them, as according to the FIFA calendar, they already have two friendlies. These fixtures are set to be two away games against Europeans Andorra, as well as North Africans Algeria.
According to the calendar, the game against Andorra is set to take place in Annaba on the 21st of March. The second one will be at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Baraki against Algeria. Bafana will take on both opponents at 23h00.
It will be the first ever match between Broos’ men and Andorra in history. While it will be Bafana’s fourth tie with Algeria.
ALSO READ: URC fixtures for SA teams