Despite suffering a 3-1 loss to Algeria, South Africa have reason for optimism ahead of the second group game and they definitely should not be written off just yet.

Meanwhile, Senegal have a great chance to secure their progress into the next stage having scored in the dying moments of the match to complete an impressive comeback against Ghana.

Following a long period of underachievement, the national team chiefs finally decided the time has come for squad rejuvenation process, giving coach Ephraim Mashaba full control over the delicate procedure.

This quickly proved a very good decision as Bafana eased off to AFCON 2015 qualification, finishing the campaign unbeaten and above Congo, Nigeria and Sudan.

Several good performances in the build-up to the tournament finals ensured South Africa arrived in Equatorial Guinea full of confidence and they in turn enjoyed a great start to their opening match against tournament favourites Algeria.

Bafana completely outplayed their more illustrious opponents, taking the lead through Thuso Phala and creating few more clear-cut chances, but the penalty miss from Tokelo Rantie completely changed the course of the match.

South Africa ended up suffering a 3-1 defeat, but having played so well for much of the game in Mongomo, you should know they are 4.00 (3/1) to make things right against Senegal.

Talented centre-back Rivaldo Coetzee has been ruled out of the tournament through a knee problem, but Eric Mathoho returns after serving his suspension.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Keet – Ngcongca, Mathoho, Hlatshwayo, Matlaba – Furman, Jali – Phala, Vilakazi, Manyisa – Rantie.

Just like their next opposition, Senegal have endured some tough times over the years, having largely struggled to prove their worth ever since 2002, when they reached AFCON final and World Cup semi-finals.

The Terranga Lions, however, played well in the 2015 AFCON qualifiers, taking 13 points from 6 matches and finishing above Egypt, while they also impressed in the final warm-up matches, defeating Gabon (1-0) and Guinea (5-2).

And while coach Alain Giresse took a gamble by leaving star players Demba Ba and Momo Diame out of the finals squad, Senegal, nonetheless, enjoyed a brilliant start to the tournament in Equatorial Guinea.

The Terranga Lions responded really well to going a goal down against Ghana and impressive second-half display proved enough for a 2-1 victory.

Substitute Moussa Sow scored in the final minute of injury time to secure a very important win, with Senegal 2.15 (23/20) favourites to defeat Bafana as well.

With no fresh selection worries to report, coach Alain Giresse could stick to the same side that started the first match, although Dame N’Doye could be replaced by Moussa Sow.

Probable starting line-up (3-5-2): Coundoul – Kara, Djilobodji, L. Sane – Badji, Gueye, Kouyate, Diop, Souare – Diouf, Sow.