THE national Under-23 soccer team go into tonight's match against Gabon fully aware that only a victory is needed to enhance their chances of qualifying for the semifinals.

The South Africans meet the West Africans in their second match of the African Under-23 Championships in Morocco.

Kick-off is 7.30pm local time.

Hard-tackling defender Thulani "Tyson" Hlatshwayo is confident of getting a win against Gabon, who went down 1-0 to Egypt in their first game.

South Africa played to a 1-1 draw with Ivory Coast in their tournament opener, with striker Phumelelo "Ace" Bhengu scoring for the Shakes Mashaba-guided side. "It is a must-win, we are going in there with one thing in mind - to pocket all the three points," said Hlatshwayo, who plays for Ajax Cape Town.

"The messages of support we have been getting from back home have been phenomenal, we cannot afford to let the entire country down.

When we left home, we made a pledge that we will qualify for the 2012 London Olympics. It won't be easy but we are here to fight for our country."

Compatriot Sameegh Doutie said: "This is a do-or-die match for us, we are going all-out for a win to make things easier for ourselves in our final group match against Egypt.

Gabon are the most dangerous team in this tournament because nobody is talking about them, we have to be very cautious to avoid any embarrassment."

Goalkeeper Brilliant Khuzwayo and his defence will have to keep a close eye on Emmanuel Ndou Mba to avoid being shown the stars.

Ivory Coast will play Egypt in the other game.