South Africa midfielder Teboho Mokoena has revealed the players understand what is at stake when they enter the pitch to face Namibia in their second match of the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

Coach Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana lost 2-0 to Mali in their Group opener and will hope to bounce back from the setback when they face neighbours Namibia at Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium on Sunday.

Speaking to SAFA.net, Mokwena said: “We know what we need to do better and what lies in front of us. It is not the start that we had wanted or set ourselves up for, but it is the result that we now have to stomach.”

Sphephelo Sithole has also cast his eye on the match against the Brave Warriors and feels that a victory is a must to avoid putting pressure on the South African senior men’s team in a group that also has Mali, and Tunisia.

“I think the next game against Namibia is a must-win, we have to win it because a result means that our chances are better,” he said, adding: “So for me we have to win. For me we have to win every game.”

Namibia will go into this game against their neighbours on a high after beating Tunisa 1-0 on Tuesday.