Eric Tinkler says Bafana can't afford to sit back against South Korea in final group stage clash

South Africa followed up a disappointing opening day 2-0 defeat to co-hosts Mexico with a much-improved 1-1 draw against Czechia to keep their hopes of progressing to the knockout rounds alive.

Hugo Broos' side need all three points against a very capable South Korean team, that started their campaign with a 2-1 win over Czechia, before a narrow 1-0 defeat to Mexico.

Tinkler was a big part of Bafana's 1996 Africa Cup of Nations success and says the current team must be allowed to play with freedom if they are to get a result from the game.

"I felt it started poorly again [against Czechia]. We were poor in terms of organisation when they scored," Tinkler told SportsBoom.

"There wasn't enough penetration or movement between the lines. It was only in the 43rd minute that [Thapelo] Maseko managed to get behind the defence and show his strength, and that is not good enough. It only changed when Mofokeng came on at halftime. He gave us more going forward and we dominated after that."

"We needed to start the way we finished. Czechia were vulnerable and this was a game we should have won. From the start, our set-up in midfield limited us."

Tinkler further dissected Broos' selection choices, adding: "We started with three defensive midfielders: [Teboho] Mokoena, [Thalente] Mbatha and [Jayden] Adams. I thought we needed a more offensive player operating close to Rayners. Themba Zwane would have been an obvious choice, but he was suspended.

“I felt Mofokeng did well in that position when he came on and gave us more going forward. We will take the draw, but it is not enough. This is a game we should have won. Czechia were there for the taking.”