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AFCON 2013: Group A Opening Games Produce a State of Stasis
Published: January 20, 2013
South Africa, the hosts, were expected to take to the field buoyed by the home support and by the promise of a tournament held on their own doorstep.
Unfortunately, whilst the eyes of a nation can inspire the greatest of men, they can also cause weaker-willed characters to crumble under the weight of expectation.
Sadly for Bafana Bafana, their much-maligned team tended to display the second characteristic, as their bravado vanished in Johannesburg. Facing tournament debutants Cape Verde, the island nation with a well-publicised population of half a million, the match could, on paper, have been the easiest break-in for a host nation who have found victories hard to come by in recent fixtures.
However, the Sharks promised resiliency and organisation—as demonstrated in a recent friendly draw with Nigeria.
The home team were initially frustrated by the West Africans, and as their confidence and fluidity diminished, the islanders grew in stature and cohesion—even crafting (and wasting) several good chances.
With Gordon Igesund, South Africa’s experienced coach, fuming on the sidelines, the boys labored. Unable, or unwilling, to implement their subtle attacking game, they resorted to long balls—totally unsuited to the talents of Lehlohonolo Majoro and Bernie Parker.
It is back to the drawing board for Bafana, who need to pick up the tempo and rediscover their composure as soon as possible. For Cape Verde, the AFCON holds no fear—and the islanders are perhaps one shock result away from an unlikely qualification from the group stage...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football
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