Mashaba: “A Win And A Draw Are Good Returns”
Bafana Bafana mentor Shakes Mashaba said the Central American tour which saw Bafana Bafana beat Costa Rica and draw with Honduras was a useful activity as the team prepares to play 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Angola. Mashaba’s charges won 1-0 against Costa Rica at the San Jose National Stadium on October 8 courtesy of Andile Jali cheeky goal, before drawing 1-1 with Honduras at San Pedro Sula’s Olympico Metropolitan Stadium on Tuesday. Defender Erick Mathoho scored an early goal for Bafana with a towering header but Erick Andino equalised few minutes later as the match ended with a draw.
Bafana Bafana were in control of the ball for the most of the first half and in the second half Honduras came back attacking , Bafana Bafana were unlucky not to win the match as they hit the woodwork via SubusisoVilakazi strike.
Even though Bafana Bafana did not register another victory,Mashaba said the two friendlies were a good preparation for the 2018 qualifiers against Angola in November.
“I could not have asked for a better work out. It showed us areas which we need to improve ahead of the World Cup matches against Angola next month.
“We have managed to shore-up defence-wise and I am happy with how water-tight our back four have developed,” said Mashaba.
The Bafana coach also praised his midfield for keeping possession for longer periods. He, however, said there was still some work to be done when it comes to finishing.
“We could have stolen the match at the death against Honduras, but Vilakazi and Masango were denied in the dying minutes. But we would continue working out on that particular area. We also need consistency for the entire 90 minutes.
“We finished the stronger of the two teams against Honduras and with a bit of that luck, could have scored two good wins in Central America. Still a win and a draw are good returns,” he said.
Mashaba and his technical team return home today, to begin with preparations for the CHAN tournament against Angola on Saturday at Rand Stadium.
