In order to have a chance of making it to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semifinals in Ivory Coast, South Africa needs to approach Cape Verde cautiously, according to former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Hans Vonk.
Cabo Verde and South Africa will meet for the second time at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, after a 0-0 draw in the group stage in 2013.
Cabo Verde are looking to reach the semi-finals of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations for the first time, with this their second quarter-final appearance, their first since a 2-0 defeat to Ghana in 2013.
This Saturday, Bafana Bafana will play Cape Verde in the last group of eight of the continental soccer Championship.
Against Morocco, who was ranked first in Africa, the 2006 African champions won a historic 2-0 in the competition’s knockout stages.
Vonk told the media that rather than underrating Cape Verde, South Africa should approach the match against the Islanders with the same attitude as they did with Morocco.
“Speaking from my own experience, Cape Verde they had a very nice team, I think we once went there, and the score was 1-2. That game was very difficult, they have got a very tactical skill”
“They must just continue what they were doing against Morocco where they defended well and scored beautiful goals. If I was Hugo Broos I wouldn’t change too much, if all players are fit and able to play the next game then don’t change a winning team. Keep the same tactics, they do well when they are playing to their strength, “said Vonk.
Cabo Verde will be difficult than Morocco-Vonk.
The former Bafana Bafana goalie, though, feels that South Africa shouldn’t underestimate their rivals because the competition is still open.
“They should be careful of underestimating Cape Verde though, underestimating your opponent that’s the biggest danger in football after a great result in the Morocco game.
“To now think we can win the AfCON just because we beat Morocco… That’s not true, this one is going to be more difficult,”
In May 1998, Vonk made his South African debut. He went on to represent his country in the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
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After South Africa failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup in Germany in 2006, the 54-year-old announced his retirement from Bafana in 2005.
