SA have to tame lions - Has Shakes done enough?

SENEGAL, a team with impressive credentials and a strike force as lethal as the lions they are named after, stand between South Africa and a premature end to their Africa Cup of Nations tonight.

The Group C clash against the Lions of Teranga, whom Bafana Bafana have never beaten, offers South Africa a chance to redeem their now tainted image back home following Monday's defeat to Algeria.

Aware that Bafana need a win at the Estadio de Mongomo tonight (kickoff 9pm) to avoid packing their bags early, assistant coach Thabo Senong revealed that the technical team, led by Shakes Mashaba, had spent much of their time this week addressing elementary mistakes that pretty much handed Algeria victory in the first match.

"We had a lot of anxiety after we missed the penalty," the young coach explained.

"Players like Sibusiso Vilakazi, who are playing in their first Afcon, have learnt valuable lessons like when to shoot at the right time. Sometimes our strengths become our weakness with our players. The passing game is so smooth but when we get into the box we just forget that perfect moment to say it is time to shoot."

Bafana have looked relaxed since they walked off the pitch to the dressing room and onto the bus with heads dropped. On Tuesday they cooled off and were lively, ready to make amends, at training on Wednesday evening.

With defender Mulomowandau Mathoho returning to action after serving a one-match suspension, SA will have a leader in defence.

Mathoho will also be vital to blunting the Senegal strikers, Moussa Sow, Pappis Cisse and Mame Diouf.

There is also the burning question of whether Mashaba, often one to dismiss discussions about the opposition, has done his homework.

He and his tactical team did not react when Algeria made two changes just after the hour mark.