Shakes now full of optimism

BUILDING on the second-half performance of last night’s victory over Angola will be the key to turning around South Africa’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Speaking after Bafana Bafana’s 4-1 World Cup qualifying second-round aggregate win in Durban last night, coach Ephraim Mashaba said that once the players worked on their combination play they took control of the tie.

That was partly achieved following the introduction of attackers Sibusiso Vilakazi and Thulani Serero, for Thamsanqa Gabuza and Mpho Makola respectively.

“A couple of times we had our backs to the wall, but we stood our ground,” said Mashaba. “Once we played our combinations we took control. In the second half they missed an open chance. Our subs brought a lot to our game, and we could have scored a few more.”

South Africa’s Afcon qualifying began on a stuttering note, with a home draw against Gambia and an away loss to Mauritania.

With back-to-back matches against Cameroon set for March, Mashaba was optimistic of a turn-around.

“Nothing can stop us beating Cameroon twice, and nothing can stop us beating Mauritania,” he said.

Both those clashes’ home legs will come to Durban, a venue the coach described as their “slaughterhouse”.

“It will be tough, but possible. With the players we have we can turn it around,” he concluded.

Angola coach Romeu Filemon was gracious in defeat, and wished South Africa well for the final African group qualifying phase, which kicks off late next year.

“Over the two legs South Africa were better than us, especially by beating us in our own yard in the first leg.

“Overall the game was quite well balanced, but South Africa were happier by scoring that goal. I wish them well for the final stage of qualifying for Russia 2018,” said Filemon.