CHAN: My boys fought like wounded lions against South Africa, says Keshi THOUGH not many gave them any chance of securing the much needed win against a hitherto impressive Bafana Bafana side, the Super Eagles yesterday rose above all odds, and put up a show-stopping performance against the hosts. At the end of the clash, thousands of South Africans left the stadium heartbroken after their darling team had been bundled out of the championship by a very determined Nigerian side. However, after the Super Eagles grabbed one of the quarter-final tickets in the process, Coach Stephen Keshi praised his boys saying, they fought like wounded lions. An elated Keshi said he was surprised with the attitude of the players as they showed a lot of determination in the encounter, adding that he was particularly happy with the performance of the entire team. I think all the credit should go to the players because they fought like wounded lions. I salute the boys because they made me happy. When we lost the first match to Mali, I said it was stage fright. But as we can see, they are improving with each match, he said. He, however, said that he would take each match as it comes, even as he declined predicting how far the team can go. Two-goal hero, Ejike Uzoenyi expressed happiness at the outcome of the encounter saying the team would continue to improve with each match. It was a wonderful match against South Africa and I think we are getting stronger with each match. I strongly believe the team will go far in this competition, Uzoenyi stated. Ifeanyi Ede netted from the penalty box to ensure that the Super Eagles finished second in the group behind Mali. Bafana Bafana only needed to draw the game to make sure of their quarter-final place, and eliminate Nigeria in the process, but costly errors just ensured that they continued their poor string of results against the Super Eagles. Nigerias first two were as a result of defensive errors. The opening goal saw the back four out of position as Ede played a square pass in for Ejike to tuck away in the 22nd minute. The second goal was an error from Moeneeb Joseph, who had replaced injured captain Itumeleng Khune in goal, as he let an innocuous ball spill out of his hands and then, as he tied to retrieve the loose ball, brought down Nigerias Gbolahan Salami. South Africa did conjure up chances for Siphiwe Tshabalala and Bernard Parker and were denied a chance to pull back one goal the hour mark when Nigerias goalkeeper, Chigozie Agbim pulled off a brilliant stop to deny a curling effort from Katlego Mashego, who was brought off after just 35 minutes to bolster the Bafana attack. Solomon Kwambe picked up a second caution and was sent off for the last quarter-hour but the advantage for Bafana was lost within two minutes when Vuyo Mere was cautioned for a second time for a mis-timed tackle and also had to go for an early shower. A fortunate penalty decision after a tackle by Azubuike Egwuekwe on Mashego saw Bernard Parker tuck away an 81st minute penalty.
Posted on: Tue, 21 Jan 2014 03:18:44 +0000
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