The real test of this "new South Africa" will come on tonight when they take on top-ranked Algeria in their opening Africa Cup of Nations Group C clash in Mongomo, Equatorial Guinea.

Bafana Bafana have seen a surge in their fortunes, to the surprise of many, under unorthodox new coach Shakes Mashaba, who has discarded their top European talent for home-based youngsters and gone unbeaten in his first 10 games in charge of what is a fourth spell at the helm of the country.

Wednesday's 3-0 hammering of fancied Mali in their final warm-up provided more evidence that the revival of the team is no flash in the pan.

Mashaba is no tactical genius, his style is very uncomplicated, but he is a strict disciplinarian and a fine motivator who has the ability to get the players to rally behind him. It helps that he coached many of his current squad in the junior national teams, nurturing them through their formative years and acting as a father figure.

Algeria coach Christian Gourcuff has kept much the same squad that did duty in Brazil and his only injury concern appears to be that of experienced defender Rafik Halliche, who sat out training this week.