NATIONAL Under-23 coach Ephraim "Shakes" Mashaba has described tomorrow's African Under-23 Championships clash with Gabon as a must-win for South Africa.

This comes after the South Africans kicked off their campaign in this 2012 London Olympic qualifying event with a credible 1-1 draw against tournament favourites Ivory Coast in Morocco on Sunday night despite being reduced to 10 men.

Phumelelo "Ace" Bhengu scored for South Africa in the 22nd minute with the Ivorians equalising through substitute George Griffiths in the 84th minute.

Speaking after a light training session in Marrakech late yesterday, Mashaba praised his charges for getting a draw against the star-studded west Africans.

"We knew that Ivory Coast were going to be a difficult opposition for us but we managed a point and to me that was a good result," Mashaba said. "We created five scoring opportunities but we were only able to convert one and we are paying attention to our finishing.

"The red card given to Thamsanqa Sangweni in the first half unsettled us but I'm happy we were able to absorb the pressure. First games are always very difficult because players are nervous, but we expect an improved performance against Gabon. Some of the technical staff members went to watch Gabon in their 1-0 defeat by Egypt and they are convinced we will come back with maximum points.

"I have no doubt we will do well against Gabon. We have no choice but to win this game."

Mashaba has sent his condolences to the family of coach April "Styles" Phumo. "We were all devastated when we learnt about the passing on of Bra Styles, who is also a former coach of this team. He was one of the most qualified coaches in Africa."

Defender Thulani Hlatshwayo added: "Coach Styles introduced me to the national team. He was coach of Amajita and it's sad he has passed away. As players we have agreed to do well in this tournament in honour of the legacy of Bra Styles."

Kickoff is at 7.30pm SA time.