Ivory Coast coach Ibrahim Kamara has conceded respect for their opening AFCON opponents Bafana Bafana but expressed confidence in his own charges.
Bafana and the Elephants are set to clash in today's other Africa Cup of Nations Group D encounter, after Morocco edged Namibia in Sunday's opener.
Despite missing out on 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification and a poor continental campaign in 2017, the 2015 champions come into this tournament amongst the favourites to win it.
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But, in what has been widely described as the 'group of death', Kamara is wary of the challenge his side faces, though remains confident in the young squad he has assembled.
"We have assembled a good team for the tournament. Matches will say whether we could achieve our ambitions or not," said the former Ivorian junior national team mentor in his pre-match press conference.
"We need to have a positive start. The first game is always important, especially in a tough group like this one.
"This generation might lack the needed experience, but they believe in themselves and have the needed passion and motivation to achieve some good results."
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Coming up against Bafana, the 53-year-old noted the record with which Stuart Baxter's charges enter into the competition – undefeated and having conceded just two goals throughout the qualification campaign – and expects a tough outing.
"South Africa are a great football team. They defend well and can play football. They conceded only two goals in the qualification campaign," acknowledged Kamara.
"They are here to represent and play for their country, and this is the same for us. So, it will be a difficult game.
"We don't usually approach every game in the same way, and with the information we have on South Africa, we will try to approach the game properly and get the best result possible."
Kick-off at the Al Salam Stadium is scheduled for 16h30 (SA time).
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