Ahead of the final round of Paris 2024 Olympics qualifiers against Nigeria, South Africa’s goalkeeper Kaylin Swart has expressed confidence in playing the first leg in Nigeria, believing it could work to their advantage.
According to Swart, playing the away leg first alleviates pressure and provides an opportunity to build confidence.
The first leg is scheduled to take place at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja, on April 1, followed by the return leg in South Africa eight days later.
Reflecting on the challenges posed by Nigeria’s passionate home support, Swart sees it as an opportunity for motivation rather than intimidation.
“It’s always best to play away first, so I think we have an advantage against Nigeria as well.
“The last couple of qualifiers against DR Congo and Tanzania it was not easy, but we managed to get a couple of goals away, and we came back home with confidence. Playing away first alleviates pressure,” Swart said per Sowetan Live.