11th September, 2014
Bafana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba says Nigeria were tired and could not match South Africa’s pace as the teams played out to a goalless draw in their Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, 2015 qualifying campaign.
The 0-0 result leaves South Africa second in their group on four points behind Congo, who have won both their games, on six points. Nigeria have one point and Sudan zero.
A boastful Mashaba said after the match at a 32,432 packed Cape Town Stadium , Mashaba says he was happy with his team’s performance and believes they could have won if their finishing had been sharper. “Overall it was an evenly balanced game. In the last ten minutes we should have sealed it. Nigeria were tired and couldn’t match our pace,” Mashaba said.
“If we buried one of our chances we would have secured the three points. We can only hope it is a start in consistency in getting results because it won’t help us if we come back and don’t do anything.
“I thought Tokelo Rantie he came in strong; he gave their defence a torrid run and they couldn’t stop him, the only thing he lacked is composure.”
“It is a good start for the team and the country as a whole. We need to get to Congo and get another three points, then we can cruise into the Africa Cup of Nations 2015.”
Meanwhile, African champions Nigeria have promised to win their remaining four matches in order to qualify for next year’s tournament in Morocco.
Next month, Nigeria face Sudan both home and away, before they take on Congo away from home in Pointe Noire and round up the qualifiers with a home game against Bafana Bafana in November.
Midfielder Ogenyi Onazi said the Eagles are determined to win their remaining four matches so as to defend their crown in Morocco in January.
“We did not plan for a draw (in South Africa). We now have to win all remaining games if we are to qualify for the Nations Cup,” said the Lazio ace.
“We are determined to meet our target.” Celtic centre-half Efe Ambrose said they still have the hope of advancing to Morocco 2015. “It was a difficult game against South Africa. They gave us a good fight, but we will still make sure we qualify for the Nations Cup,” assured the defender. Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2012 Nations Cup hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.