Why it is important for Bafana Bafana to qualify for AFCON |

Bafana Bafana will continue their quest to qualify for the 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] when they face Liberia in a decisive two-legged tie under the tutelage of Hugo Broos this month. 

Coach Hugo Broos revealed his final 23-member squad that will face the West African side on Thursday, 16 March 2023. 

The Belgian mentor had previously named a 35-man preliminary squad which he has since reduced to 23 players.

The first leg will be played at Orlando Stadium on Friday, 24 March 2023. The game will start at 18:00. Bafana will then jet off to Liberia for the second leg on Tuesday, 28 March 2023.

Sekhukhune United defender Daniel Cardoso has come forward to express his views on why is important for South Africa to qualify for the AFCON tournament.

WHY IS IMPORTANT FOR BAFANA BAFANA TO QUALIFY FOR AFCON 

“I think is very important for them to qualify because we failed to qualify for the last one,” Cardoso told Sekhukhune’s media department. 

“And with the caliber of the players that we have in our country is possible. If you look at Sundowns they are competing with the best of Africa. So, I don’t see why we shouldn’t be competing at the AFCON. 

“We should be at every tournament and qualifying for World Cups. If we are competing well at the club level, what’s stopping us to compete well at the international level.”

DANIEL CARDOSO BELIEVES IN THE QUALITY OF PLAYERS SOUTH AFRICA HAS 

The ex-Kaizer Chiefs centre-back believes that the country has a lot of talent to match the European countries. 

“I know most international teams have players in Europe and all of that. But, it doesn’t mean we are behind. It’s just that it’s very important for the country as a whole and our football in aspects. 

“Otherwise, European countries don’t take us seriously in terms of picking youngsters and playing them as they do in Europe.” 

The tournament will take place throughout January 2024, with Ivory Coast being the host nation.

This will be for the second time Ivory Coast  host the competition. 

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