Bafana Bafana Cosafa Cup coach Vela Khumalo has admitted that their opening Group A match against Mozambique was not the best way to start the competition.
Oscar Samuane’s lone second-half goal secured South Africa’s 1-0 defeat to Mozambique at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Wednesday, placing them at the top of the group.
The other match between Mauritius and Zimbabwe ended in a goalless draw, placing Bafana at the bottom of the group with zero points.
“This is not the best way to start the tournament. Performance-wise, we played well; we played the way we wanted to play,” Khumalo said after the match.
“However, one might then ask: what can be done better from this? This will require us to return to the session and discuss how we can convert the chances we created.”
Coach confident team will advance
Khumalo continued: “I think in the first half of the game, we had so many entries into the box, but we did not convert the chances.
“We were rushing things when we got into the box, and in the second half, we spoke to that and even made the team aware that the only time they will score a goal is when they get us in transition, which they did.”
Khumalo expressed his confidence that they can advance in the competition despite their disappointing start.
“Performance-wise, we looked excellent [against Mozambique]. I think this is looking very good. So, I am confident that we will definitely go further in the tournament; never mind the setback.”
Khumalo and his team will return to action at the Free State Stadium when they play Zimbabwe on Saturday afternoon.
