Zungu backs Mokotjo and Furman to do Jali’s job
BAFANA Bafana coach Ephraim Shakes Mashaba said the three goals they scored against Angola in Benguela has put them under more pressure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
The national team is a better side on the road and they showed that with their 3-1 win in their World Cup qualifier. The teams meet in the second leg tomorrow at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Mashaba said he was not worried by Andile Jali’s red card for inciting fans after scoring the third goal via a penalty. Jali has not left the camp despite the sending off, with Mashaba saying it would harm the midfielder psychologically if he were dismissed from camp.
“We are governed by rules and the match official stated that he (Jali) incited the fans by the way he celebrated and there’s nothing we can do.
“Fifa rules clearly state players must not show any form of gesticulating towards the opposition crowd because it will make them angry, more so when the score is 31. They were bound to retaliate. The match official was sticking to the rules,” Mashaba said.
“We are under pressure with the 3-1 win because it could be a different story psychologically if they score first. Had we won by four or five goals, it would have been different and we would have been a bit more comfortable.
“It allows us to dictate terms before the game even starts. That fourth goal was there for the taking, but we didn’t take our chances. We can only hope that the boys don’t lose their heads.”
Jali’s no-nonsense approach in the midfield seemed to galvanise the visitors in the oppressive heat. Each tackle and pass that was cut out seemed to drain the life from the hosts, who were flaky at the back and were fortunate not to lose by a larger margin.
Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Bongani Zungu was the stylist to Jali’s unbridled aggression and he thrived quietly, while Angola were discomfited by Jali’s muscular performance.
While he was responsible for the creative output, Jali’s absence means he will have to put in a physical shift.
Dean Furman held the fort very well in the second half, which left Zungu certain about the strength in depth they possess in midfield.
“We are fortunate that we are blessed with quality players in our team in most, if not all the positions. I know we’re going to miss him (Jali), but the midfielders that we have can more than do the job. We have Kamohelo Mokotjo and Dean Furman who can fill in easily. Anyone who is picked by the coach on the day, will do the job,” Zungu said.
“Andile is very aggressive and playing alongside him made my life very easy. It motivates me to get stuck into the battle. Andile has set the bar very high in the midfield and the Angolans will probably have an idea of what our midfield is all about.”