How Bafana got it right

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Mental aspect

It was important that Bafana approach this match positively despite all the criticism after the two losses to Cape Verde. Safa roped in sports psychologist Martin Scheepers and this ensured the players were in the “here and now”, according to coach Stuart Baxter.

Communication in defence

In the absence of the regulars like captain Thulani Hlatshwayo, Mulomowandau Mathoho, Ramahlwe Mphahlele and even Tebogo Langerman, this was a new defence. “Communication is what we did the whole week [and] everything just falls into places,” said stand-in skipper Itumeleng Khune.

Tactics spot on

Deploying Andile Jali in the number 10 position raised some eyebrows because his usual position is defensive midfield.

“I could have gone with [Sibusiso] Vilakazi, Keagan [Dolly] or [Lebogang] Manyama, but when I’ve seen Burkina Faso play they kept quite tight lines and it was difficult [for the opposition] to get the ball between the lines. You’ve got to have a nice close touch and you need to see past it quickly, and I think that’s Andile,” said Baxter.

Sense of urgency

Bafana did well to maintain the momentum. “I thought the players did a great job by continuing to play smartly, but at the same time aggressively and trying to play in the final third,” said Baxter.

Khune’s ball distribution a weapon

He’s been hailed as “world class” when it comes to ball distribution and rightly so, because, it launches attacks, which is what happened for two of the three goals.