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- Themba Zwane has praised Bafana Bafana for maintaining composure during intense moments and avoiding unnecessary cautions against Tunisia.
- Bafana advanced to Round 16 after a goalless draw with Tunisia, facing Morocco in the next match.
- Namibia advanced to the last 16 too and will take on Angola.
- For more Afcon news, visit News24's Africa Cup of Nations Zone.
Bafana Bafana veteran Themba Zwane commended his teammates for maintaining their composure during the intense moments of their Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) match against Tunisia, which saw players involved in a scuffle.
South Africa and the North Africans played out to a goalless draw, which saw Bafana advance to Round 16, where they will meet Morocco next Tuesday (22:00 SA time), while the Eagles of Carthage, 2004 champions, packed their bags and headed home.
It was a tough bout between the two nations where tensions arose at the cusp of half-time following a challenge on Khuliso Mudau, which ended his game.
Mudau was replaced by Sydney Mobbie.
Zwane, who claimed his second man of the match gong, was also involved in a scuffle with his fellow teammates seconds before he was about to be substituted for Thabang Monare.
The 34-year-old said while it was nothing major, it was expected as things got heated.
"We knew as a team that it was going to be difficult because they use a lot of physique, and at the same time, we wanted to avoid necessary cautions and fouls," added the Mamelodi Sundowns attacking midfielder.
"It was a difficult match but credit to my teammates for fighting on and ensuring that we keep calm and avoid costly mistakes."
In his comments on the team's performance, Zwane emphasised the importance of persevering, despite the physical challenges faced during the match.
"This one was difficult. We coordinated well, even though they were closing the spaces for us. We tried to be calm and penetrated to create more chances," he said.
"They were tired and so were we, so it was important to keep calm and keep the ball.
"We have a good team to go forward for the games and fight. We are going to push ourselves."
Bafana finished second, while Mali topped Group E and will take on Burkina Faso (30 January, 19:00).
Meanwhile, neighbours Namibia made history at only their fourth Cup of Nations and secured a ticket to the last 16, where they will take on Angola on Saturday (19:00 SA time).
