Lambs to the slaughter. That’s about the situation facing Chad when they square off against South Africa in an Africa Cup of Nation’s qualifier at the Absa Stadium in Durban on Saturday afternoon.
Chad lost 3-0 to group 11 leaders South Africa in their first-ever meeting in March earlier this year, with Bafana Bafana showing renewed commitment under the tutelage of Carlos Alberto Parreira. Bafana cruised to victory despite the boisterous crowd and the appalling pitch they played on in Ndjamena.
Like Chad at home, South Africa will enjoy the support of thousands of chanting fans. The visitors will also be treated to a well-maintained turf that is usually linked to playing good football.
Whether Chad can rise to the occasion is doubtful as they have only scored one goal in their three qualifying games.
Qualifying for the 2008 African Cup is virtually impossible for the 133rd ranked team in the world. They lost 2-0 to Zambia at home and then 3-1 to Congo in Brazzaville in their first two qualifiers.
Although SA lead the group with seven points, a win is vital to ease their passage to Ghana as Zambia are three points behind them and Congo only two.
Nevertheless, South Africa still have the advantage and can build up confidence and garner the support of the nation as Bafana Bafana head for their seventh consecutive Africa Cup tournament. — Sapa