Senegal, a team with impressive credentials and a strike force as lethal as the lions they are named after, stand between Bafana Bafana and glory tonight.
The clash against the Lions of Teranga, who conceded just a single goal in six qualifying matches for this Africa Cup of Nations tournament, offer South Africa a chance to overcome their now tainted image back home following Monday night’s 3-1 defeat to Algeria in their Group C opener.
Aware that Bafana need a win at the Estadio de Mongomo tonight to avoid packing their bags early, assistant coach Thabo Senong revealed the technical team, led by head coach Shakes Mashaba, had spent much of their time this week addressing elementary mistakes that pretty much handed Algeria victory.
Tokelo Rantie’s squandered penalty naturally came up.
“We had a lot of anxiety after we missed the penalty,” the young coach explained. The reaction from South Africans was an emotional one, especially given how Bafana had qualified for the Afcon – unbeaten in six matches and playing a part in defending champions Nigeria not being at this tournament – and raised their hopes.
“Players like Sibusiso Vilakazi, who are playing in their first Afcon, have learnt valuable lessons like when to shoot at the right time. Sometimes our strengths become our weaknesses with our players. The passing game is so smooth but when we get into the box we just forget that perfect moment to say it is time to shoot.”
Bafana have looked relaxed since they walked off the pitch to the dressing room and on to the bus with heads lowered. On Tuesday they cooled off and were lively, ready to make amends, at training on Wednesday evening.
With defender Mulomowandau Mathoho returning to action after serving a one-match suspension, South Africa will have a leader in defence. Mathoho will also be vital to blunt the Senegal strikers – Moussa Sow, Pappis Cisse and Mame Diouf – who can tear any team apart.
There also remains the burning question as to whether Mashaba, often one to dismiss discussions about the opposition, has done his homework.
While his men enjoyed the lion’s share of the possession, ultimately giving it away to lose 3-1, Mashaba and his tactical team did not react when Algeria made two changes just after the hour mark.
Senong backed Bafana players to show that suffering just one defeat in 11 matches was no fluke. But on Monday night, it seemed Bafana were back to their old ways – creating chance after chance, but failing to punish the opposition.
South Africans will again be glued to their TV screens tonight, perhaps with less belief than they had begun to cling to. Bafana were riding high on the wave of optimism coming into this Afcon.
However, that may have just come undone in 90 minutes full of energy and missed opportunities.
Asked if there will be any changes apart from Mathoho’s obvious return, Senong said: “We are happy with the players who featured against Algeria and still believe all 23 players we have picked can do a job for the team.”
It could be curtains for Bafana if they fail to beat Senegal, with their final group match against Ghana on Tuesday becoming a dead-rubber.
SA's chance to ride high once again
The clash against the Lions of Teranga, who conceded just a single goal in six qualifying matches for this Africa Cup of Nations tournament, offer South Africa a chance to overcome their now tainted image back home following Monday night’s 3-1 defeat to Algeria in their Group C opener.
Aware that Bafana need a win at the Estadio de Mongomo tonight to avoid packing their bags early, assistant coach Thabo Senong revealed the technical team, led by head coach Shakes Mashaba, had spent much of their time this week addressing elementary mistakes that pretty much handed Algeria victory.
Tokelo Rantie’s squandered penalty naturally came up.
“We had a lot of anxiety after we missed the penalty,” the young coach explained. The reaction from South Africans was an emotional one, especially given how Bafana had qualified for the Afcon – unbeaten in six matches and playing a part in defending champions Nigeria not being at this tournament – and raised their hopes.
“Players like Sibusiso Vilakazi, who are playing in their first Afcon, have learnt valuable lessons like when to shoot at the right time. Sometimes our strengths become our weaknesses with our players. The passing game is so smooth but when we get into the box we just forget that perfect moment to say it is time to shoot.”
Bafana have looked relaxed since they walked off the pitch to the dressing room and on to the bus with heads lowered. On Tuesday they cooled off and were lively, ready to make amends, at training on Wednesday evening.
With defender Mulomowandau Mathoho returning to action after serving a one-match suspension, South Africa will have a leader in defence. Mathoho will also be vital to blunt the Senegal strikers – Moussa Sow, Pappis Cisse and Mame Diouf – who can tear any team apart.
There also remains the burning question as to whether Mashaba, often one to dismiss discussions about the opposition, has done his homework.
While his men enjoyed the lion’s share of the possession, ultimately giving it away to lose 3-1, Mashaba and his tactical team did not react when Algeria made two changes just after the hour mark.
Senong backed Bafana players to show that suffering just one defeat in 11 matches was no fluke. But on Monday night, it seemed Bafana were back to their old ways – creating chance after chance, but failing to punish the opposition.
South Africans will again be glued to their TV screens tonight, perhaps with less belief than they had begun to cling to. Bafana were riding high on the wave of optimism coming into this Afcon.
However, that may have just come undone in 90 minutes full of energy and missed opportunities.
Asked if there will be any changes apart from Mathoho’s obvious return, Senong said: “We are happy with the players who featured against Algeria and still believe all 23 players we have picked can do a job for the team.”
It could be curtains for Bafana if they fail to beat Senegal, with their final group match against Ghana on Tuesday becoming a dead-rubber.
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