South Africa's national team Bafana Bafana lived up to their long
standing reputation of being goal-shy after they failed to turn their
superior goal possession into goals. The team which faces giant
slayers Cape Verde in the opening match of the prestigious African
tournament in less than 10 days will now face Algeria over the weekend
with their tails down.
Coach Gordon Igesund is hoping the team will find their sharpness when
the tournament by the time the showpiece begins to avoid a humiliating
first round exit for the 1996 champions. Against Norway, Bafana Bafana
let slip their grip on the game when they allowed the visitors'
captain Tarik Elyounoussi to cut across two defenders and net the
winner past goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune in the 41st minute.
In the second half, South Africa threw everything at the Nowergians
only to fire blanks despite countless chances that came their way.
Norway fielded a B side that had up to five uncapped players.
