Here are three keys to Bafana's victory against Senegal

23 January 2015 - 02:27 By Tshepang Mailwane
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Mulomowandau Mathoho will be key for South Africa's second group Afcon match against Senegal on Friday 23 January 2015 in Equatorial Guinea. (Photo by Philip Maeta/Gallo Images)
Mulomowandau Mathoho will be key for South Africa's second group Afcon match against Senegal on Friday 23 January 2015 in Equatorial Guinea. (Photo by Philip Maeta/Gallo Images)

After their defeat to Algeria, Bafana Bafana cannot afford to make mistakes when they play Senegal in their penultimate Africa Cup of Nations group C clash today.

Senegal beat Ghana 2-1 in their opening match, so national coach Shakes Mashaba's boys will need to gain dominance in three areas to emerge victorious.

Mulomowandau Mathoho vs Mame Biram Diouf

Bafana's most trusted defender is available to play after serving a one-match suspension.

The 1.9m Mathoho has enough pace to keep up with quick strikers, is solid in the tackle and has immense strength.

"Tower" must not give Diouf room to turn and take shots in the box. A Manchester United reject, Diouf revived his career with Hannover in Germany before joining Stoke City this season and is brimming with confidence at the moment.

Sibusiso Vilakazi vs Cheik Kouyate

Sibusiso Vilakazi seemed to be effortlessly gliding past Algerian players on Monday. He can bamboozle defenders with his trickery and pace.

His position as a free roaming midfielder allows him to make runs into the box and score crucial goals.

Senegal's defensive midfielder Kouyate's batteries will have to be fully charged to keep up with Vilakazi.

Thuso Phala vs Pape Souare

Speed versus power. This could be the battle of the night. Phala will go into this game on a high after scoring the opener against Algeria - but it will not be a walk in the park.

The Lions of Teranga boast some of the continent's finest wingers. Souare is quick and is dangerous in both halves of the pitch, so Phala will also have to track back to help stop the Lille player.

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