Igesund takes positives from Nigeria loss
Bafana Bafana head coach Gordon Igesund says he is taking some positives from their 2-0 loss to Nigeria in the 19th edition of the Nelson Mandela Challenge played at Moses Mabhida Stadium last night.
Two goals from second half substitute Uche Nwofor meant Bafana Bafana’s poor record against African champions continued. In the eight meetings so far,South Africa has lost six, drawn once and won only once.
After a balanced first half, the visitors showed their class and superiority in the second stanza to take the match away from the hosts.
“The difference between the two sides was in the last third where we made wrong decisions because we were not patient enough, and gave the ball away cheaply. Other than that, it was a good exercise for us. They scored the first goal which made us chase the game. They then grabbed the second while we were still trying to get back into the match,” said Igesund.
“We have to keep playing against top nations like Nigeria. They brought a very strong team with players who play at a very high level which will help our players grow. We can only improve from this performance and when you look at their play you can tell they have been playing good oppositions,” said Igesund.
Igesund admitted that while the two teams were evenly matched in the first half, it was a different ball game altogether in the second half where the hosts where thoroughly outplayed.
“They looked sharper but I presume, we were also a bit rusty having last played against Ethiopia in June. We learnt a lot from this outing and we know where to rectify,” added the Bafana Bafana mentor.
Igesund gave striker Luyolo Nomandela of Free State Stars his debut in a Bafana Bafana shirt, coming on in the 60th minute for Thuso Phala.
With England-based Dean Furman and Tokelo Rantie, who plays in Sweden, released after the clash with Nigeria, some changes are expected in the starting line-up on Saturday 17 August against Burkina Faso in the Nelson Mandela Sport and Cultural Day match that will be played at FNB Stadium.
Kickoff is at 13h30.
(File Photo:Gallo Images)
- Safa and ECR Sportswave
Twitter - @ECRSportswave