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We don’t fear Ivory Coast: Baxter

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Bafana Bafana get their 2019 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign underway on Monday afternoon as they take on 2015 African champions Ivory Coast at the Al Salam Stadium in Cairo, Egypt.

The two teams will go to this game fully aware of the need to get the maximum points after Morocco managed a last gasp 1-0 win against the Brave Warriors of Namibia courtesy of a cruel own goal.

Baxter has been encouraged by the spirit within his camp as he feels this could lead to an effective positive tournament for them.

Bafana are coming up against an Ivory Coast side that has been on a rebuilding phase starting from the qualification campaign.

They surprisingly dropped a player like Gervinho for this tournament, Yaya Toure is one of the legends who have retired from international football after winning the 2015 title.

But this squad is not short of talent with the majority of the squad coming from the top leagues in Europe. Baxter trusts his boys to rise to the occasion.

Just like yesterday’s Group D opening game between Morocco and Namibia, Monday’s match will be played in harsh weather conditions.

The extreme heat weather conditions have forced CAF to introduce a six-minute break during the game for players to refresh.

Bafana are well prepared for these conditions, as Baxter says their training camp in Dubai will help a great deal.

With Morocco and Ivory Coast bringing star-studded players to this group, Bafana captain Thulani Hlatshwayo is not fazed by what they are up against.

He will also be encouraged by the gutsy performance of the neighbours Namibia on Sunday against the Moroccans. – Report by Velile Mnyandu

 

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