Chokers label still haunts Bafana

Bafana Bafana are keenly aware of the need to avoid a repeat of their epic choke against Cape Verde in last year’s World Cup qualifiers when they meet Libya in the same venue, Durban, in Saturday’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
The South Africans, as they settled into their second training session on Tuesday at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu, have spoken of a need to apply themselves and take nothing for granted against 101st-ranked Libya.
Bafana’s opening 2-0 away win against Nigeria more than a year ago, in June 2017, means that they can put themselves in firmly in the driving seat to qualify for Cameroon 2019 by beating Libya at Moses Mabhida Stadium. With Seychelles surely whipping boys in Group E, a victory on Saturday would leave Bafana needing some choke to not finish at least second and reach the finals.
But the last time SA were in such a position they did choke, with a 2-1 away defeat against Cape Verde then even more costly defeat by the same scoreline in the return match in Durban days later – effectively ending a chance at reaching the World Cup in Russia.
Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams said SA are aware that a defeat against Libya would nullify the team’s hard work beating Nigeria.
“Nigeria are one of the powerhouses in Africa, and winning against them shows that we can beat anyone,” said Williams.
“We need to take control of the group by winning our home games. If we win our home games it will put us on 12 points, and that will be enough.”
Captain Thulani Hlatshwayo said SA need to focus.
“We’re obviously not happy to have had to sit at home watching Senegal and Nigeria playing at the World Cup, knowing very well that we had beaten Nigeria away in the Afcon,” the Bidvest Wits defender said.
“We need to make sure that we apply ourselves on Saturday.
“If we can win on Saturday, and beat Seychelles twice, by the time Nigeria come here [in November] we can have secured our place.”
Bafana’s three replacements – Orlando Pirates winger Vincent Pule, Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Tiyani Mabunda and SuperSport United utility player Maphosa Modiba – took part in Tuesday's training session.
They arrived as additions for the injured Themba Zwane, Hlompho Kekana and Bongani Zungu.
Lebogang Mothiba’s hamstring tear was confirmed by his Ligue 1 club Strasbourg and Bafana coach Stuart Baxter has called up Bidvest Wits’ Mxolisi Macuphu as a like-for-like replacement for the big centre-forward...

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