Bafana Bafana had one preparation match after their camp in the Western Cape at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport (SAS), a goalless draw against Lesotho last week.

Although Bafana Bafana played out to a 0-0 draw against Lesotho, Broos believes that there are no issues around that, having failed to secure another practice match or more illustrious opponents before taking flight to Ivory Coast.

The match we played last week against Lesotho was just a preparation match so the match we will play against Mali is a different ball game altogether and I am sure my players are ready but we are playing a tough team, like I said, it’s going to be difficult," Broos said.

Broos, who steered Cameroon to AFCON victory in 2017, also reminisced about the unforgettable experience.

"This is a different feeling because six years ago I didn’t know what would come, it was a tournament I never experienced before, so now I know everything about it in my second one," Broos added.

Bafana Bafana face a tough Group E containing Mali, Tunisia and neighbours Namibia nonetheless, the Belgian’s words suggest a steely determination to overcome adversity and challenge for the ultimate prize.

His emphasis on taking things one step at a time resonates with Bafana Bafana’s immediate focus on overcoming Mali in their opening encounter.

Kick-off at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium on Tuesday evening is 22:00.