Libya out to end South Africa’s hopes

Libya will play host to South Africa in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualification group E match at the Stade Taieb Mhiri in Tunisia on Sunday.

Kick-off is at 7:00 pm CAT.

The Mediterranean Knights boosted their chances of qualifying for the finals when they hammered Seychelles 8-1 away in their previous group E match four months ago.

Despite the victory, Libya remained third on the group standings – three points behind the leaders, Nigeria.

Ismael Tajouri-Shradi, the Libya attacking midfielder, is keen to help his side overcome South Africa and qualify for the finals which will be staged between June and July.

“If we win against South Africa, we win not for us but for the country – for the fans who support us every game in Libya when they cannot travel around Africa,” Tajouri-Shradi told BBC.

“It will be a very hard game but if we win we hope it will change so many things in Libya – that is the goal for now. We must take this opportunity to make our country proud.”

Meanwhile, South Africa’s hopes of reaching the finals are still alive despite drawing 1-1 with Nigeria at home in their previous group E match four months ago.

The draw saw Bafana Bafana remain second on the group standings – two points above second-placed Libya with one match left.

Percy Tau, the South Africa striker, is confident that they will defeat Libya and secure their place in the finals which will be hosted by Egypt.

“We have a great squad, and I am confident we will do well. But we will need to ensure that we stay disciplined throughout the match,” Tau said.

“We cannot afford to lose our shape or even concede – we have to keep our eye on the ball and be switched on at all times.”