Rama wants Bafana to make history v Nigeria
Cape Town – Defender Ramahlwe Mphahlele wants Bafana Bafana to make history and claim back-to-back victories against Nigeria on Saturday at the FNB Stadium.
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South Africa beat the Super Eagles 2-0 last year November at the famous Godswill Akpabio International Stadium courtesy of goals from Tokelo Rantie and Percy Tau.
Mphahlele has been a regular starter for coach Stuart Baxter in recent matches and is expected to feature against the Super Eagles this weekend.
The match is a crucial Group E qualifier for both sides in terms of their hopes of reaching the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Cameroon next year.
Bafana can qualify for the competition with a win whereas the West African giants can go through by picking up a single point. Seychelles and Libya are the other two sides in the group.
Speaking to Chiefs' official website, 'Rama' said: "We have a very strong bond in the changeroom. With some new players coming into the squad, finding such a welcoming camp makes it easier to gel into a winning team.
"It is good that we are playing in front of our supporters. The mood in the camp is positive and all that is left is to execute our plans.
"Yes, this is a must-win [game], but we must play our normal game according to the plan that the coach will give us to master and apply on the day.
"It is always about the team, and national pride is at stake. Individual performances only count when they contribute to the team's success.
"I am looking forward to be part of the Bafana Bafana team that will make history of back-to-back wins over Nigeria.
"That we have beaten them before [in June last year in Uyo] will not count on the day. Nigeria are always a hard nut to crack.
"They have good players with experience. We are not looking at the log, our focus is on a win every time we play."
After four rounds of (of six) matches played, the Super Eagles lead Group E with 9 points, one ahead of South Africa, who have accumulated 8 points from two wins and two draws.
Libya are in third place with 4 points, followed by the Seychelles on 1 point.
The penultimate group clash will kick-off at 15:00 (SA time).