SOCCER: Lungile Madywabe
THE legendary Pele once declared that it is better to play well and lose than to play badly and win, but South Africa did not play very well in their 1-0 loss to Egypt on
South Africa still ended top of the group, equal on points with Egypt but ahead on goal difference, so they stay in Johannesburg for the quarterfinal on Saturday. Despite coach Clive Barker saying “it is only a temporary setback”, the loss to Egypt should help focus the team as they face much more formidable opponents as the tournament climaxes.
Algeria, South Africa’s quarterfinal opponents, were African Nations Cup champions in 1990, and they come to the FNB Stadium knowing that South Africa can be beaten right in front of their strong home crowd support in Johannesburg.
South Africa can take comfort in that Algeria are not great finishers either, and have the same record in the competition: they have scored four goals and conceded one.
Barker has promised that on Saturday he will bring back a fluid midfield. In Wednesday’s disjointed performance there seemd to be a lack of ideas. Doctor Khumalo did not play against Egypt because of injury, but he will be available for selection on Saturday.