Molefi Ntseki confident Bafana Bafana can seal CHAN quarter-final spot against Uganda
Bafana will face Uganda in their final Group C match at the Mandela National Stadium in Uganda on Monday afternoon (6pm kick-off).
Ntseki's men are second in the group with five points – one behind the Cranes – after drawing with Algeria, beating Equatorial Guinea, and drawing with Niger.
With the top three teams in the group – Uganda, Algeria, and Bafana – all playing their final matches on Monday, qualification for the next round will be decided then.
Ntseki made a bold claim before the Niger game that their fate was in their own hands – a sentiment he still holds despite dropping points.
'Yeah, I think you are very right. In the pre-match press conference, we spoke about our last game, and we knew it would be tough,' Ntseki said.'But if you look at the group standings, Monday is effectively a final for this group. What's interesting is that no team has secured a knockout stage ticket.
'So, whoever slips up on Monday will go home. The top three are playing on the same day, and the best two will go through to the quarter-finals.
'From our group, that means we are going to produce the best two teams for the last eight, and that'll be the best thing for football.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
an hour ago
- The Citizen
Chippa United eye Bafana Bafana striker
'It looks like management will try again, especially with a coaching change looming,' a source told Phakaaathi. Word reaching the Mgosi Squad is that Thabiso Kutumela could be snapped up by Chippa United once the African Nations Champioship (CHAN)concludes. The striker is currently with Bafana Bafana in Uganda for the competition that is exclusively for home-based players. Kutumela has been in fine form for the national side, scoring in the 1-1 draw against Algeria before finding the net again in the 2-1 victory over Guinea. Before the tournament, the 32-year-old spent time in Gqeberha and appeared set to sign for the Chilli Boys, only for the deal to collapse at the last minute. ALSO READ: Under fire Pirates coach Ouaddou defends goalless Radiopane It is now understood that Chippa are ready to revisit the move in a bid to strengthen their attacking options. The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Cape Town City forward spent last season at Richards Bay, but his future looks likely to lie in the Eastern Cape. 'I think they will go back and sign him because there will be changes at the club and the management rates him very highly. Everything had been agreed and he was set to sign, but the deal fell through at the last minute. It looks like management will try again, especially with a coaching change looming,' a source told Phakaaathi. ALSO READ: Sundowns' Cardoso blames 'brainwork' for draw against Pirates Kutumela is a seasoned campaigner having turned out for Baroka FC, Orlando Pirates, Maritzburg United, Sundowns and City. Chippa now look set to become the next stop in his career.
The South African
3 hours ago
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs in hot pursuit of R24 million Bafana Bafana captain
Kaizer Chiefs are in the market for another attacker. This outbound Sundowns man is on their radar. ADVERTISEMENT Kaizer Chiefs are on the hunt for an attacker or two. This Bafana Bafana attacking midfielder is being targeted by Amakhosi. CHIEFS INTERESTED IN OUTBOUND SUNDOWNS ATTACKER Chiefs are closely monitoring Bafana Bafana midfielder, Neo Maema. 'Kaizer Chiefs and Siwelele FC are both monitoring the availability of former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Neo Maema, who is currently captaining the Bafana Bafana side at the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament,' Phakaaati reported. ADVERTISEMENT So, Amakhosi are expected to make a bid for the former Sundowns players when the CHAN campaign commences. Interestingly, Maema is the current captain of the Bafana Bafana CHAN side. 'Chiefs have long been admirers of the attacking midfielder, who reminded suitors of his quality by scoring in Bafana's 2-1 victory over Guinea in Uganda last week. His future is expected to become clearer once the CHAN campaign concludes, with both Amakhosi and Siwelele believed to be keen on securing his signature,' they added. AMAKHOSI LINE UP BIG-NAME TARGETS Chiefs have signed SEVEN player so far. Nkanyiso Shinga, Flavio Silva, Ethan Chislett, Paseka Mako, Thabiso Monyane, Siphesihle Ndlovu and Asanele Velebayi have all joined Amakhosi. However, they're not done with their transfer business just yet. ADVERTISEMENT Maema is one of the most expensive transfer targets. The former Sundowns midfielder is valued at R24-million, according to Transfermarkt. Meanwhile, outbound Sundowns striker Etiosa Ighodaro is training alone with Chiefs lurking. Finally, Luke Baartman is likely to join Amakhosi from PSL rivals, Cape Town Spurs. SHOULD CHIEFS SIGN MAEMA AFTER BAFANA BAFANA'S 2025 CHAN CAMPAIGN? Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
5 hours ago
- The Citizen
Ex-Sundowns star on Chiefs' radar
During his time with Sundowns, Maema won four Betway Premiership titles and three domestic cup competitions. Kaizer Chiefs and Siwelele FC are both monitoring the availability of former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Neo Maema, who is currently captaining the Bafana Bafana side at the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament. Maema, 29, left Sundowns at the end of last season after four years at Chloorkop, having joined from Bloemfontein Celtic in 2021. Despite being deemed surplus to requirements by the Brazilians, he is not short of admirers, with several top-flight clubs keen on his services. ALSO READ: Bafana star Percy Tau finds new home Chiefs have long been admirers of the attacking midfielder, who reminded suitors of his quality by scoring in Bafana's 2-1 victory over Guinea in Uganda last week. His future is expected to become clearer once the CHAN campaign concludes, with both Amakhosi and Siwelele believed to be keen on securing his signature. A source close to the player revealed that Chiefs had made enquiries about Maema as far back as the January transfer window. However, the deal didn't materialise then, with Sundowns unwilling to release him midway through the campaign. ALSO READ: Sebelebele late strike earns Pirates dramatic draw against Sundowns During his time with Sundowns, Maema won four Betway Premiership titles and three domestic cup competitions, making over 120 appearances in all competitions. Although his game time was limited last season, his technical ability and experience still make him a valuable option in the transfer market.
