On Friday, Bafana went down 1–0 to a ten-man Egypt, despite a stirring second-half performance from the South Africans. Hugo Broos’ charges threw everything at the Pharaohs but simply couldn’t find the back of the net when it mattered most.

The clash was overshadowed by VAR controversy, with Egypt awarded what many felt was a soft penalty, while South Africa were left frustrated after not being given a spot-kick of their own right at the death - a decision that could have salvaged a deserved draw.

Ronwen Williams. Photo: Morgan Piek

For Bafana, however, the focus is firmly on moving on from Friday’s disappointment and turning their attention to Zimbabwe - a side that denied them victory earlier this year in Durban during the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

A win on Monday night will guarantee South Africa a place in the knockout stages. Even a draw could be enough, but Bafana will be eager to leave nothing to chance.

Speaking after the defeat in Agadir, captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams stressed the importance of learning quickly and staying positive.

“Obviously we’re disappointed. The objective was not to lose - we wanted to win or at least get a point to secure qualification, but it wasn’t to be,” said Williams.

“We do feel hard done by with some of the decisions. It was a soft penalty, and at the other end we strongly felt we should have had one as well. But that’s football - we take the lessons, take the positives and keep believing in this team.”

Williams also pointed out that facing a team reduced to 10 men doesn’t always make life easier.

Oswin Apollis against Nigeria. Photo: Morgan Piek

“We knew they were going to sit deep after going a man down and defend their box,” he explained.

“It’s always difficult because they don’t give you space in behind, and that’s what we look for. We created a few half-chances and some decent opportunities, but it wasn’t to be.

“There are a lot of lessons to take from this and we’ll grow from it.”

The Bafana skipper is confident his side will arrive mentally sharp and ready to go all out against the Brave Warriors.

Teboho Mokoena. Photo: Morgan Piek

“They came with a different approach and it took us a bit of time to adjust, especially with the back five and numbers in midfield,” Williams added.

“But I’m proud of the boys - the fight and the never-say-die attitude were there. We gave everything and left it all on the field.

“We showed we can compete with the best, and now it’s about looking forward to the next game on Monday. We’ll definitely qualify.”

Monday’s clash between South Africa and Zimbabwe at the Stade de Marrakech kicks off at 18:00. At the same time, Egypt and Angola will face off at the Grand Stade d’Agadir.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek