South Africa may still be smarting over their 4-0 trouncing by Nigeria in Saturday’s African Nations Cup clash in Tunisia but coach Styles Phumo has insisted that all is not lost.
”It is not yet over for us,” said Phumo, who took over the post when Ephraim Mashaba was fired on the eve of the tournament.
”We still have a chance to make up for our defeat against Nigeria by going on to beat Morocco in our last match.”
However, Phumo slammed referee Mohamed Ali Bujsaim of the United Arab Emirates, who presided over the opening match of the 2002 World Cup finals, over his handling of the match.
The players too protested over the 64th-minute penalty awarded against them when defender Aaron Mokoena handled the ball as he fell to the ground with Nwankwo Kanu hot on his heels.
”We did our best against a Nigerian side which on the day really came out to play but again one can’t help but speak out against the handling of the match by the referee,” Phumo said.
”My player was pushed for the first goal and the penalty should not have been given as it was my player who was at the receiving end. It was unfair that the referee decided the outcome of this match.”
Injuries have further depleted the team ahead of Wednesday’s all-important clash against Morocco.
Wits University midfielder Benson Mhlongo is nursing a knee injury after a clash with Nigeria defender Joseph Yobo, and goalkeeper Emille Baron has a calf injury after he ran into Mokoena during the match but Phumo refused to replace him.
South Africa were to train later on Sunday at their base in Sousse.
The South Africans will now be hoping for a big win against Group D leaders Morocco on Wednesday to stand any chance of reaching the knockout stage of the competition.
In Mali two years ago, Bafana Bafana defeated the Atlas Lions 3-1. And at the 1998 edition of the tournament, the South Africans also carried the day when they won their quarterfinal clash 2-1. — Sapa-AFP
Soccer loss shocks supporters
Nigeria trounce South Africa