adminBAFANA Bafana coach Ephraim Mashaba is confident his side will bounce back against Senegal on Friday (today) following their 3-1 loss to Algeria at the Africa Cup of Nations last night.Bafana took the lead against the Desert Foxes through Thuso Phala, but were undone by an own goal by Thulani Hlatshwayo and strikes from Faouzi Ghoulam and Islam Slimani.
The Teranga Lions edged Ghana 2-1 in their respective Group C opener.
Mashaba said: “We gave the game away, the best team lost after we creating so many scoring opportunities in the first half. We allowed them back into the match and we got punished. Lift your heads up because it is not over yet there are six points to play for. We have a mountain to climb but we are still confident that we will do well in our next match.
“I know you are all disappointed as this was a match we should not have lost. And it’s also our first loss in 11 matches but we have to move on and get ready for the next game.”
He continued: “After we missed that penalty everything went downhill. But I think we played very well. Algeria was lucky to come back, and we had already lost focus when they clawed their way back.
“We still have two games to go, the boys did well but it is unfortunate that you are judged on the results.
“I think we need to motivate the boys and bring them to their feet because understandably they are dejected from the loss. We lost our way at crucial times and the goals we let in were soft goals.
“The result has made our work more difficult because the remaining two games are a must-win. The loss of Rivaldo through injury also cost us a lot as and you could see after his departure things got messy at the back.”
Bafana have been boosted by the return from suspension of key defender Mulomowandau Mathoho and experienced midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane. — Kickoff.
Online Reporter