Relieved Ntseki happy with three points for South Africa

Lebogang Phiri celebrates goal with teammate Thulani Hlatshwayo

Monday Nov 18, 2019. 12:00

South Africa coach Molefi Ntseki has spoken of the importance of his side’s narrow 1-0 victory over Sudan in their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Orlando Stadium on Sunday.

Bafana Bafana dominated the match, but spurned numerous opportunities, their only reward a Lebogang Phiri goal just before halftime.

But Ntseki is just relieved for the three points following his side’s 2-0 loss to Ghana in their qualification opener.

“It was a very difficult match,” Ntseki said. “In terms of our traveling schedule which made this fixture difficult.

“In terms of the game we wanted to start on the front foot but unfortunately we missed too many chances and we ended up becoming a bit anxious.

“On the balance of play I think the players did very well in terms of how they expressed themselves within our tactical plan but I think we started the second-half a bit slow.

“The last 25 minutes of the second-half you could see that our legs were tiring a bit and that’s why we tried to make more attacking substitutions which nearly came off.

“The win is important for us as we’re still fighting to qualify and hopefully everything will work out well for us.”

Bafana will next be in action in March for the start of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.