Niger and South Africa meet at Mandela National Stadium in a Group C match that could decide their CHAN 2024 futures.
Moroccan referee Bouchra Karboubi will blow the kick-off whistle at 6:00 pm (GMT+1), and fans can catch the action live on BeIN Sports MENA, BeIN Sports France, and SuperSport.
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Niger have yet to earn a point from their opening two games. Coach Harouna Doulla said: “Tomorrow’s game against South Africa will undoubtedly be a tough one for both teams. We are still looking for our first point in this competition, but we believe anything can happen. It will be difficult, but not impossible.”
The team is in transition, with young players such as 17-year-old Abdeljelil Ahamat central to the rebuild. Doulla added: “Our immediate goal is to secure our first point, and we want to achieve that in this game.”
South Africa sit on four points from two matches. Coach Molefi Ntseki warned: “When it comes to tournament football, it is crucial to adjust strategies according to the opponent. Even though Niger hasn’t scored any points yet, we cannot underestimate them. They are a well-structured and dangerous team at certain moments in the game.”
Ntseki stressed the importance of controlling their own destiny. “The two remaining matches are decisive. If we don’t win, we will depend on calculations and combinations, and that is something we want to avoid. It is up to us to do our job and secure qualification.”
Captain Ramahlwe Mphahlele said: “This game against Niger is very important for us as a team. We know we will face a strong and well-organized opponent, but we are mentally and physically prepared. Playing in a stadium that honors Nelson Mandela is a privilege, and it gives us the strength to defend our country’s colors with determination.”
Ahamat said for Niger: “Morale is high. Two losses don’t mean everything is over. We will fight to earn our first points. Investing in young players like me is crucial for the future, and I hope to continue contributing to the growth of Nigerien football.”
South Africa have two wins and a draw from three previous CHAN meetings. Niger will remember 2011, when they held Bafana Bafana to a goalless draw, eliminating the South Africans.
