South Africa go into their second 2013 Africa Cup of Nations Group A encounter with Angola under immense pressure to perform following a poor performance in their opener against minnows Cape Verde which ended goal less.
Both sides must fight for three points given that Angola also drew goal less with Morocco in their opening game.
Although defeat would not mean the end of the road for the teams, it would put their participation in the quarterfinals in serious doubt.
South Africa’s display against Cape Verde in their first match last Saturday was inept, with no rhythm or team cohesion. Coach Gordon Igesund has promised a better display from his team in Durban, and is also likely to pick a more offensive side for the game.
That is likely to mean Dean Furman comes in for Kagisho Dikgacoi, as well as Katlego Mphela for Lehlohonolo Majoro. Thulani Serero will most likely have to start from the bench again as he works his way back to full fitness.
On the other hand, Angola were pleased with their point against Morocco in their opener, but in truth should have won the game.
Striker Guilherme Afosno and Manucho both missed a series of gilt-edged chances as Angola put on a strong display in the second half, proving a hard running and enterprising team with a tough physical approach that will prove tricky for Bafana Bafana to deal with.
Manucho looks particularly dangerous upfront in tandem with Geraldo and Mateus, who operate wide. They are expected to test the Bafana defence a lot more severely than they were by the Cape Verdians in the opening match of the tournament on Saturday.
Coach Gustavo Ferrin is likely to have midfielder Djalma Campos fit again after he missed the Morocco match.
South Africa holds an edge in the head to head battles as they are unbeaten in six previous meetings between the two countries, three of them wins and three draw.
Later in the group, Morocco entertains un predictable Cape Verde.
