WEST AFRICAN CHALLENGE

Bafana Bafana need four points from their home and away Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Liberia to book a place at the continental finals. But it will not be easy, writes Mazola Molefe

Former Liberia coach Peter Butler believes Bafana Bafana could be in for a surprise if they underestimate the West Africans when the two sides clash in their back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

With the continental showpiece now moved to 2024, after CAF president Patrice Motsepe cited the rainy season in Ivory Coast as not ideal for a midyear event, South Africa continue their qualifiers home and away against Liberia, having lost their group opener to Morocco last year.

"If you take them lightly, they could punish you," Butler, who vacated his post as the head coach following the team's 2-0 defeat to Morocco in June, told SoccerClub.

He adds that he expected Bafana to take on stronger opponents for the two friendly matches that were played in November against Mozambique (2-1 win) and Angola (1-1) at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.

According to Bafana coach Hugo Broos, they were closer to Liberia in terms of their style of play... but Butler is not convinced.

"I was surprised with that decision. I thought Bafana would go looking for friendlies against teams in West- or North Africa, considering sides from that region weren't really involved either because of the postponement of the qualifiers and the World Cup," he said.