Bafana Bafana are hoping to do well in their next match against Namibia on Monday, in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in, Korhogo, Ivory Coast.
The team lost their opening match 2-0 against Mali on Tuesday, and despite dominating the first half of the match, missed a penalty and some goal scoring opportunities.
Bafana Bafana midfielders Sphephelo Sithole and Teboho Mokoena, addressed the South African Football Association media department in Korhogo, ahead of Sunday’s match.
“The first game was more difficult because the opponents knew what our strength is.
But in the first half I think we dominated the game.
The changes they made in the second half, made their team look better,” said Sithole.
The 24-year-old, who’s plying his trade in Portugal for second division side, CD Tondela, highlighted that their opponents were more aggressive, which helped them more to control the game.
Sithole’s comments were echoed by his teammate, Mokoena, who added that their opponent’s physique also advantaged them.
“We created some chances in the first half.
But second half they were more physical because of their strength, and they know that we as Bafana are not that physical, not that strong.
It’s a tough one to swallow, I still have the same feeling that we could have done better, but we still have another opportunity to do better in the second game,” explained Sithole.
He stressed that the team must perform well against Namibia, be “clinical, score and close the game.”
“We’ve been positive after the loss.
Our mindset is on the right track because we’re fully focused now on our next game.
We need to win the game, to be on the safe side,” said the midfielder.
Despite languishing at the bottom of the group, Mokoena said all is not lost.
“It’s not really a must win, but we must get the results against Namibia,” emphasized Mokoena.
The team will now face the Brave Warriors, as Namibia is affectionately known, on Sunday (10pm kick-off time).
