Publications
Partners
Cape Town - Midfielder Teboho Mokoena says Amagluglug are confident ahead of their final U-23 AFCON Group B clash against Nigeria after an impressive win over the Ivory Coast.
South Africa - who are top of Group B with four points - face second-placed Nigeria at the Al Salam in Cairo, Egypt on November 15.
Mokoena proved the match-winner against the Ivorians with his first professional free-kick in a competitive match in a 1-0 win on Tuesday.
David Notoane's side remain the only team who are yet to concede in this tournament and are on track to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games.
The 22-year old Bethlehem-born midfielder stated that he and his team-mates intend on building from their previous two games.
"We played really well against Ivory Coast in our previous match and Nigeria is another side that we will need to manage as well," Mokoena said.
"We have been solid at the back in our previous two group games while pressing forward to create scoring chances of our own. The same approach will be applied in this tie, as we also want to win this game as well.
Mokwena revealed that being a free-kick specialist has been one area he has been working on as a midfield player.
"Being a free-kick taker is one area I have been working really hard on to improve as a player," Mokoena added. "Lionel Messi is one of the guys that I look up to. He scored a free-kick a few weeks ago where instead of running towards the ball, he takes a few steps walking before pulling a strike at goal.
"I tried his technique and it has been working really well for me ever since."
Kick-off at 21:00.
