Alexandria, Egypt (PANA) - South Africa must beat the African defending champions Tunisia in their next group match Thursday to advance in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations tournament, but financial dispute with the South African Football Association could after the Bafana Bafana level of concentration.

"I would like to believe that the (dispute) has been put on hold and negotiations will only resume when we get back home," Romanian Ted Dumitru told PANA here. "So let us hope that their mental energy will be fully focused on this game agains Tunisia."

While many expect the worst tonight after Bafana's 0-2 loss to Guinea in their opening match Sunday, Dumitru insists his team could still beat the Tunisians.

"It is going to be a very difficult game. But if we approach the game as seriously as we did in the 2-1 win against Egypt (in a friendly two weeks ago), we can win the match," he affirmed.

He said he and other members of the technical crew had had "a good look at Tunisia during their opening match against Zambia on Sunday and have a very good idea of what to expect tonight."

"I believe their 4-1 victory over Zambia was flattering to them (Tunisia)," the Bafana Bafana coach said. "They scored three soft goals that made it seem as if they bamboozled Zambia."

Meanwhile, Guinean coach Patrick Neveu has warned that Zambia "will not have it easy" in their match in the same group Thursday.

Guinea, who beat South Africa 2-0 in their opening Group C match Sunday, "are on a mission to perform well" at the ongoing Nations Cup, boasted the Frenchman.

"If we have to stay in the race, the game against Zambia is as important as any other," he added.