Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund raised eyebrows when he made five changes to the team that played Angola but his selection was justified at the end as his team emerged victorious by 2-0 through goals from Siyabonga Sangweni and Lehlohonolo Majoro.
Igesund confessed that he took a gamble with his line-up but said he was happy it paid off.
His line-up included Katlego Mphela, Tokelo Rantie, Tsepo Masilela, Dean Furman and May Mahlangu who were all on the bench against Cape Verde and Igesund was relieved as they made the difference.
“We were in a must-win situation and I had to take the gamble. I was not scared to lose and I told my players the same and fortunately everything went our way,” said Igesund.
Igesund said he might make changes again in the game against Morocco on Sunday. Bafana need just a point to book a place in the quarterfinals of the tournament.
“It’s a different scenario and these are two different teams. We will see how we go about in the next game.”
He praised his players for a good performance, particularly after taking flak in the opening game against Cape Verde when they froze on the big stage.
“Every player was counted today, even those on the bench and this will motivate us going forward. I had said our Saturday performance was not our best and it was behind us. The reaction from all the players was superb and credit must go to all of them.”
He conceded he was edgy on the bench hence he took off his jacket.
“This is a hot seat and as the game goes on you become edgy when your team is attacked. But it was a good overall performance.”
