Zimbabwe legend remains impartial on ‘tight’ AFCON group

By KickOff.com

Zimbabwe football legend Matthew Rusike has weighed in on AFCON Group B, which features Bafana Bafana, Egypt, Angola and his home nation.

In the group, Egypt have won the Africa Cup of Nations seven times, while South Africa have lifted it once, with the other two nations yet to clinch the trophy.

Considering both history and current form, Egypt and Bafana, who are currently under the guidance of Hugo Broos, appear to be the favourites to top the group.

However, Rusike, a well-travelled retired attacker, has shared his thoughts on who he thinks might progress to the next round, though he remained impartial in his view.

“It’s never an easy group for any nation, it’s tight, you know African football, anything can happen during the tournament,” Rusike said, speaking exclusively to KickOff.com.

“Zimbabwe do have a good team that can challenge. Angola can also give you a tough run, so it is a group where no one should underestimate another one.

“But the reality is that Egypt and South Africa are the most favourite from the group because Egypt has many players who are playing abroad in big leagues and can pose a challenge.

“On the other side, Bafana Bafana have been doing well, they did exceptionally well in both the World Cup and the AFCON qualifiers,” explained the former Cape Town City striker.

“South Africa has good players, who are doing well in the PSL, they know how to win with local players, more especially from Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates. Actually, Bafana are one of the top teams in the whole tournament.

“But, without underestimating South Africa, in Group B, Egypt appear to be the most favourite to win the group. But I will always support my country, Zimbabwe to go and show that they can do the job.”

Zimbabwe will face Egypt in the opening fixture, while Bafana take on Angola in the other, setting the tone for a tightly contested group where every point will matter from the start.