Senegal v South Africa preview

Coach optimistic of qualifying

By Amanda Cornforth   Last updated: 31st January 2008

Parreira Carlos Alberto South Africa

Parreira: Upbeat

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Carlos Alberto Parreira believes his struggling South Africa team can still make it through to the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.

South Africa are languishing at the bottom of Group D with just one point heading into the clash with Senegal in Kumasi on Thursday night.

They must beat Senegal and hope Tunisia beat Angola in the other game to have any chance of qualifying to the next phase.

South Africa were convincingly beaten 3-1 by Group D leaders Tunisia on Sunday and held to a 1-1 draw against Angola in their first fixture so they will be doing their utmost to try and overhaul Senegal.

Lift

Senegal will be led by caretaker coach Lamine Ndiaye for the game after Henri Kasperczak stepped down from his role on Monday.

Ndiaye, who was previously at Cameroonian club Coton Sport, has the task of lifting his side after their 3-1 defeat to Angola on Sunday.

Senegal are in a similar situation to South Africa as they have only managed to claim one point from their two games, so they will also be trying to win to give themselves any hope of making it to the next round.

Injury concerns

Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar, who picked up an ankle knock in training, and defender Tsepo Masilela, who is recovering from a pulled hamstring, will undergo late fitness tests ahead of the match.