Pretoria - Bafana Bafana head coach Gordon Igesund has described South African supporters as very special to the national team.
Igesund said the crowd at the National Stadium on Saturday was brilliant and they really tried to lift the team in what was very challenging playing conditions.
"We now need the public to go to Moses Mabhida Stadium in their numbers and give the boys the support and work as the 12th player.
"We will do our best to make our amazing supporters happy. They have been fantastic throughout and they need to be rewarded with performances that warrant their unwavering support," said Igesund about the magnificent support the team has received from the football-loving nation.
He said the dream of winning the tournament was still very much alive and he believed it was a question of time before they turn the chances into goals.
South African Football Association (Safa) President Kirsten Nematandani said: "Bafana Bafana needs our support as we still have an excellent opportunity to progress further in this tournament. We urge the public to continue supporting and encouraging our boys to regain their winning mentality."
Bafana will face Angola in a must-win game at the Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban tomorrow at 5pm.
Meanwhile last night, in a thrilling Group C match, Ethiopia held the reigning champions, Zambia with a 1-1 draw at Mbombela stadium.
Collins Mbesuma scored for Zambia, but Adane Girma pulled equalised for Ethiopia who were down to 10-men after their goalkeeper Jemal Tassew was sent off for a dangerous tackle in the 25th minute.
In the second Group C match, Burkina Faso struck a late equaliser to earn a 1-1 draw against Nigeria, making Group C to remain undecided.
Later this afternoon, the tournament's favourites, Ivory Coast with the most talented and experienced players will face the Togolese team led by Tottenham Hotspur striker, Emmanuel Adebayor at Royal Bafokeng stadium at 5pm.
This encounter will be followed by the North African giants, Algeria and Tunisia at 8pm at the same venue. - SAnews.gov.za
