Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter says his side will not underestimate Madagascar when they meet in the Cosafa Cup quarter-final on Sunday.

Madagascar will take on the South African national team at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium after finishing top of Group A.

Baxter expects a tough physical battle against the Group A winners, stating his side will have to focus to maintain possession of the ball.

‘They have very good players, and also very technical. They play very quick and tackle very quick so we have to take a lot of care with our ball possession, and also pay a lot of attention to our defending – especially in one v one situations so we don’t get dominated physically,’ Baxter told the media after the match.

‘They are very speedy and as such, they turn the ball very often so our transitions will be very important as well.’

The two nations have previously met five times before with four wins for Bafana Bafana while one match ended in a draw.

‘We have played a little friendly game and a little 11 v 11, that’s what my team has played together and the first game will be probably the most difficult for us because we have to play, get together and gel a little bit,’ he added.

‘So it’s a difficult game in a lot of ways but it is one I think the boys can handle based on what I have seen of the squad, and I am hopeful we can deal with this one and the tournament opens up for us.’

The match at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium kicks off at 3pm.