South Africa head coach Molefi Ntseki has revealed his outfit will be cautious against the Black Stars in their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Cape Coast Stadium on Thursday.
The Bafana Bafana have arrived in Ghana for their Group C opener in Cape Coast as they set sights on a flying start to the campaign.
"You are bringing back two very experienced players, who played very well in the Afcon in Mkhize and Hlanti," Ntseki said on Monday ahead of the team's departure to Ghana.
"Them having not been in the camp last time, they gave an opportunity to Thapelo and to ‘Inno’ to do well for the team. But, we have a point [to lose, if Bafana cannot draw] as we speak. So it’s for us to protect that point.
"It’s for us to go out there and maybe during moments of the game try to take advantage and maybe win this match. But we are not going to go out there like we did against Mali, and pull out all the guns.
"We have to be very careful. Starting on the front foot can get us an early goal, and unsettle Ghana in Ghana. But at the same time if you give Ghana too much possession they can easily hurt you.
"They are at home, they will have the support and the confidence. So it’s a game where one has to be very cautious.
"We need to manage the phases of the game very well. That is why we are talking of players with experience, players who have been here before, players who have played at the highest level. I’m referring to the Afcon.
"So we are very careful in our approach. Our tactical strategy has to be that one of being protective, but at the same time we should not be dropping too deep and giving Ghana possession because they can always be dangerous.”