SOUTH African Football Association (Safa) president Danny Jordaan has warned the national Under-23 men’s side to guard carefully against complacency when they face Angola in Milpark on tuesday night.
David Notoane’s boys will welcome the Palancas Negras in a return leg of their U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, second round at the Bidvest Stadium tonight (7pm).
They will be out to complete the work they started away last week when they demolished the Angolans 3-1 in the first leg.
The winner between the two will meet either Mozambique or Zimbabwe, who are also engaged in another battle for a third round place. The seven winners of the third round will qualify for the final tournament, which is completed by Egypt, who will host the tournament scheduled for 8 to 22 November.
These U-23 Afcon matches also serve as the first stage of the African qualifiers for the 2020 Olympics men’s football tournament in Japan.
“Angolans are a very difficult assignment. They are one of the strongest on the continent,” warned Jordaan.
“Don’t ever underestimate the significance of that victory away in Angola. They will not accept defeat this time around. Best of luck to my boys.”
His deputy Gay Mokoena said Mzansi needs to stamp its authority in the continent.
“We must represent the South very well. Most of the successful teams are from the North, even if you look at the Caf Champions League,” he said. .
Under-23 striker Luther Singh, who had a stellar performance against Angola in the first leg, said they have forgotten the first leg result and are looking forward to finishing the job in fine style at home.
“We will kill off the game by scoring more goals and not wait for them to come to us.
“There’s pressure but our goal is to go to the Olympics,” said Singh.
