Hlatshwayo banks on Bafana’s defensive record
Thulani Hlatshwayo believes Bafana Bafana can take heart from their defensive record in qualifying, as they prepare to take on the IvoryCoast on Monday in their opening Africa Cup of Nations Group D match at the Al Salam Stadium in Cairo.
Thulani Hlatshwayo during the 2018 Africa Cup of Nations qualification match between South Africa and Seychelles. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)
South Africa conceded just two goals in the whole of qualifying, one an own goal and another a penalty. Ivory Coast have a strong-looking attack, with the likes of Nicolas Pepe and Wilfried Zaha, but the
Bafana believes his team can keep it tight at the back.
“It gave us a lot of confidence (qualifying),” said Hlatshwayo
“We have done it before and we have played against stronger players from other countries, that also have a lot of speed going forward. Even in training, we have worked so hard defensively, we know who we
are up against. Everything has gone smoothly and we want to keep our record and concede few goals. As a team, though we don’t only defend at the back, defending has to start from the front.”
“We are looking forward to playing our first game against the Ivory Coast. The guys are focused, we know what we are here for. We have been working hard at training and are looking forward to starting (the
tournament).”
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