The Bafana-Bafana understand that they cannot afford any mistakes this afternoon. After the draw in the opening match against Cape Verde, South Africa is compelled not to falter again in their second group match against Angola. Another setback this evening would significantly diminish South Africa’s chances of qualifying for the quarter-finals.
On the eve of this crucial match, South Africa coach Gordon Igesund stated that his players must put the Cape Verde match behind them. “We must forget this match; we have our destiny in our hands. The most important thing was to make the players understand that there was no reason to be afraid, to panic.”
Gordon Igesund has high expectations for his team, and he is looking to his left-winger Tshabalala, who has been performing well for Bafana-Bafana with his forward runs. The Kaizer Chiefs player acknowledges that a premature exit from the tournament for the Rainbow Nation, the host country of the 29th edition of the CAN, would be disappointing for the fans. Tshabalala recognizes that the task will not be easy for South Africa: “The competition is not going to be easy, and the challenge will be great. But as professionals, we know what to expect.”
Tshabalala believes that playing in front of the home crowd is an asset for his country: “Playing at home is an honor and should be great motivation for us… We must achieve good results to honor our country and our national jersey.”
For Bafana-Bafana, one player from Angola to watch closely is striker Manucho. In his first outing with the Palancas Negras, the prolific scorer from Real Valladolid caused significant problems for the Moroccan defense with his deep runs and constant disruptions. Manucho has become the spearhead of an Angolan team that has emerged as an outsider not to be underestimated over the course of the CAN. After the match against Morocco, he stated, “We had a good match, satisfactory for a first match. I’m not frustrated not to have scored; there are two matches left in the first round, and I will try to improve. I fell badly; I will recover for two days and do my best to help Angola win the next match,” he told AFP.
