TODAY is crunch time. South Africa is waiting for Bafana Bafana to perform in their crucial match against France in Bloemfontein.

TODAY is crunch time. South Africa is waiting for Bafana Bafana to perform in their crucial match against France in Bloemfontein.

Last week the country's morale was down after Bafana lost 3-0 to Uruguay.

Today the home team needs to redeem itself when they play against France in Mangaung in the Free State.

Bafana have to score at least five goals against their opponents, whose morale is low because of internal squabbles.

One of their key players, Nicolas Anelka, was sent home after he refused to apologise to coach Raymond Domenech, whom he reportedly insulted.

The ANC says it is confident that despite all odds being against Bafana Bafana the national team will emerge victorious against France.

"Even under these circumstances we are certain that Bafana Bafana will succeed in moving to the next round," ANC spokesperson Jackson Mthembu said. "We are encouraged to see continued and consistent support for the national team, despite the loss to Uruguay."

Mthembu said all South Africans should continue rallying in support of Bafana.

"We are confident that - despite facing challenges - Bafana Bafana will once again make us proud," he said. "South Africans have been able to do the impossible by demonstrating to the world that we are, indeed, wonderful hosts and will continue being the best hosts during the World Cup and beyond."

The ANC Youth League said it was convinced that with all the support Bafana Bafana would triumph and make the country proud.

The league advised coach Carlos Alberto Parreira to keep Aaron Mokoena on the bench since he makes "critical mistakes".

The DA's Joe McGluwa wished the team well, saying he hoped MacBeth Sibaya, Matthew Booth and Bernard Parker would be included in the starting line-up.