'We are more than capable': Bafana defender Maela eyes victory against Morocco in Afcon qualifier

Bafana Bafana defender Innocent Maela has called on his team-mates to be "united" when they tackle Morocco in their opening Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier on Thursday.

READ | 'It is a difficult space': Mosimane distancing himself from commenting on Broos and Bafana

After a tiresome traveling journey, the South Africa 23-man squad along with backroom staff arrived in Rabat, Morocco on Sunday evening where the match will be held at the at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

Bafana Bafana training late last night (9pm) at the sport complex adjacent to Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. #BafanaPride #AFCON2023Q #AFCONQualifiers pic.twitter.com/I9f9nfpqZm

"The journey was difficult," Maela told the South African Football Association (SAFA) media department.

"The travelling was a lot, but fortunately for us, we are experienced in playing continental football.

"The first flight was a 10-hour trip and then we had to connect and wait for another hour at the airport. After that, it was another trip lasting seven hours and 30 minutes to where we are, and then a bus ride.

"These things excite us, and they challenge us. It is what we want so that we can grow. We can prove to ourselves that we can go through and overcome these challenges."

ALSO READ | Ria Ledwaba cleared to run against incumbent Danny Jordaan for SAFA presidency

The match against the Atlas Lions will be Hugo Broos and Bafana’s first match since their humbling 5-0 defeat against France in an international friendly in March.

Maela was not a part of the traveling squad for the match against Les Bleus after he was recovering from a long-term injury.

However, shifting his focus to the Morocco match, the Orlando Pirates defender is well aware of the quality the North