Bafana Bafana return from Equatorial Guinea - 2010

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Bafana Bafana return from Equatorial Guinea

01-08-2012

Bafana Bafana return from Equatorial Guinea

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The South African Men's Senior National Team, Bafana Bafana, is back in the country after playing to a goalless draw against Equatorial Guinea in Bata City. The match was played on Friday, 6 January 2012. Bafana Bafana arrived on Saturday (7 January).
The clash was held at the Estadio de Bata, and was to mark the opening of that venue which will be used during the upcoming 2012 Africa Cup of Nations tournament to be hosted jointly by Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.

Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane handed out eight new caps to goalkeeper Brilliant Khuzwayo (Thanda Royal Zulu); defenders Eric Mathoho (Bloemfontein Celtic) and Ayanda Gcaba (Free State Stars) as well as midfielder Granwald Scott (Ajax Cape Town) and forward May Mahlangu (Helsingborg FC - Sweden) who all started the match.

Ryan Chapman (Bidvest Wits), Wayne Arendse (Santos) and Mzikayise Mashaba (Free State Stars) were second half substitutes. The other substitute Nazeer Allie, was playing in his second match after being capped by former Bafana Bafana coach, Brazilian Joel Santana.

"The performance from these youngsters proves just how much talent is available in this country. Under trying circumstances they managed to give a good showing. Let me hasten to add that there is still a lot of improvement to be made, but it was a good start. I am proud of the effort they put in to helping the side get a draw with a man short after we suffered a red card, and I believe we should have won the match," said captain of the day Morgan Gould.

The debutants were over the moon after donning the national team jersey.

"It was a very challenging match and I was really excited to play a part. Now what remains is for me to focus and work hard to ensure I continue being part of the set-up. Given a chance next I know what areas to improve,"said Gcaba.

"I was very excited to get a chance to play for my country because that is every player's dream. But to be frank I did not expect to get a run soon. Getting a call-up is an achievement in itself but it's not a guarantee that you will play. I hope to get more time to play because I loved the little taste I got," added Chapman, who almost scored on debut.

"I came into this match with mixed feelings after missing out on the last Bafana Bafana against Zimbabwe due to injury. Now I know what it feels like to represent my country. I also think I did well and would welcome another opportunity. I would like to thank the coaching staff for the confidence they have shown in me," said Scott, Ajax Cape Town skipper.

"It was very exciting to get my first cap as I have been looking forward to donning the national team jersey. I would like more time so I can show the coach more of what I can do, but I am happy I represented my country," said Arendse who did not train with the team after arriving in Equatorial Guinea a day before the match due to passport challenges.

The players have been given the day off and will return to camp on Saturday evening. The team will then move to Royal Marang Sports Complex in Phokeng near Rustenburg to continue with camp.

Bafana Bafana will play two practice matches against Zambia and Ghana on the 11th and 15th respectively.

RESULTS

ASEC Abidjan