South Africa face Ethiopia at the National Stadium in Addis Ababa, kick-off at 15h00 (SA time).
“It could not have gone any better for us. We had a great training session this afternoon so all in all we are ready for the game. We have been blessed a little bit because there have been rains over the last few days making the pitch softer,” said Igesund soon after Bafana had completed their preparations at the match venue today.
“We have to believe in ourselves, and I am confident we will do well. We cannot hide away from the fact that it is going to be a difficult game because they are a formidable side. But we know where we want to go, so we have to beat them to get there. We have worked very hard to prepare for this game and I am confident we will put up a very good showing. The guys are focussed and tuned in to what we have to do.”
Igesund indicated that the Ethiopians were in a difficult position as group leaders but added that Bafana will be ready for whatever approach the hosts might adopt.
“I think they are in a difficult position asking themselves whether to go for a win to end the race, or take a draw and win their last match, but we are prepared for any game plan, whatever tactics they come up with we have to out-think them,” he said.
Bafana win?
South Africa would top the group and be ahead of Ethiopia by one point. That would mean a win over Botswana in September would secure qualification for the final round of qualifications.
It's a draw?
Ethiopia would remain ahead on two points and so Bafana's fate would not be in their own hands. Igesund's men would have to beat Botswana and hope that Ethiopia draw or lose to Central African Republic.
Ethiopia win?
Goodbye Brazil. Goodbye World Cup 2014. Goodbye Igesund? Ethiopia would be five points clear and confirmed Group A winners.
Meanwhile, hundreds of local fans came out to catch a glimpse of Bafana before and after their final training session at the match venue.
The locals sang victory songs while flashing placards with their predictions for Sunday’s match. If they are to be believed, Bafana will lose 2-0, 3-0 with some over confident to predict a 5-0 win for their country.
“South Africa is wasting time and money, there is no way we are going to lose tomorrow,” said one local fan.
“You are here to donate points to us,” added another.
Such has been the hype ahead of the match that the 22 000 capacity stadium is expected to be filled to the rafters. Many fans were spotted in their national team colours a day before the encounter.
But Bafana were not perturbed and went about their business full of confidence following a 3-0 victory over the Central African Republic (CAR) last weekend.
So high was the confidence in the team that the players surprised all when they arrived at the hotel singing at the top of their voices to the excitement of hotel staff and guests.