MONDAY, 10.00AM:
A CONTROVERSIAL goal by English striker Ian Wright gave England the match on Saturday, in the clash against Bafana Bafana at Manchester’s Old Trafford. Wright admitted afterwards to touching the ball before it went through the posts 16 minutes before the end of play, but the referee passed it, and England won the game 2-1.
SA captain Lucas Radebe said: “It was a clear hand ball. It was diappointing losing to a goal like that.” There was disappointment for the England side too — they lost Jamie Redknapp and Paul Gascoigne to injury. Redknapp’s ankle was broken in a tangle with Phil Masinga, and Gascoigne was taken off on a stretcher with a calf injury after Linda Buthelezi tackled him from behind. They will both miss England’s World Cup qualifier against Poland on Saturday.
Buthelezi said after the game: “I wonder what all the fuss is about. I am a hard player, and football is hard. It’s a man’s game.”
The first goal came from England’s Robert Lee, who scored in the 21st minute, despite a heroic defence by SA goalkeeper Andre Arendse. The equaliser, in the 43rd minute, was a beautiful effort by John “Shoes” Moshoeu and Masinga. Moshoeu kicked the ball over English goalkeeper Nigel Martyn to Masinga who was positioned to easily head it in.
SA coach Clive Barker said the match was valuable as “a tremendous experience. We achieved our objectives. The atmosphere was incredible,” he said.