Tough task ahead in Group G
South Africa faced the toughest football contest so far in Freetown with desperate fans of around 60,000 behind their darling National team, Leone Stars made Bafana chase the ball and settle for a point. (Leone Stars, Bafana shake hands)
Speaking after their arrival back in South Africa yesterday afternoon, Portsmouth defender and Bafana skipper Aaron Mokoena, said it was a toughest assignment accomplished for many years. But yet still in Group G the task ahead will be tough playing back to back football against the African Champions next year.
“This was a battle royal, and I will take a point from this match anytime. It was not the best performance of the team by a long shot, but it was great to get a point out of this one.
While Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane was happy with his side’s gutsy display. “We fought like soldiers. We showed we could play away from home and get results. This was a big point for us. We achieved our objective of returning still top of the group.”
Bafana now head Group G, with four points from two matches, but Pitso stressed that they have to win their home matches, if they are to top Group G.
Sierra Leone’s National Stadium has a capacity of 45 000, but 60,000 fans were crammed inside the venue. Some were hanging from lamp poles, while others sat next to the pitch. Incredible that’s how important this game was. He told 24hours sport.
Niger stunned African champions Egypt 1-0 at home to see the Pharaohs in trouble at the bottom of the group with one point.
“We have our fate in our hands,” said Mosimane.
“We still have a long way to go, but this was a mental victory. It was not easy playing in that pitch.
“The flight was tough, so were the conditions, but I am proud of the players who never buckled and showed we have character and mental strength.
“The fact we go into the two games against giants Egypt next year as group leaders is a big boost, but we still have a lot of work as Egypt know they have to beat us if they hope to defend their title.”
Mosimane described the state of the Brooksfield pitch, in Sierra Leone, as a “disgrace”. Despite that it was Bafana’s fourth match unbeaten and their third under Mosimane.
This is how the two teams lined up:
Sierra Leone: Christian Caulker, Ibrahim Kargbo (Capt), David Simbo, Sheriff Suma, Umaru Bangura, Rodney Strasser, Julius Wobay, Samuel Barlay, Mohamed Bangura, Mustapha Bangura, Alfred Sanko.
South Africa: Itumeleng Khune, Anele Ngcongca, Tsepo Masilela, Aaron Mokoena (Capt), Bongani Khumalo, Macbeth Sibaya, Thanduyise Khuboni, Siphiwe Tshabalala (Sthembiso Ngcobo), Teko Modise, Bernard Parker (Morgan Gould) and Katlego Mphela (Reneilwe Letsholonyane).
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