Former Bafana Bafana defender David Nyathi believes coach Stuart Baxter squad needs to be congratulated following their qualification to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
Bafana defeated Libya 2-1 on Sunday in Tunisia and they will now form part of the continental showpiece, and Nyathi says goalkeeper Darren Keet was outstanding in the game.
“I think first and foremost we needed a draw, but fortunately we went on to win it and I think Libya were very good and the game was tense, they opened gaps and it was very stressful for us,” Nyathi told Goal.
“It has been a stressful journey for us and I think we managed it very well. They came at us in the first half and they didn’t expect (Percy) Tau to go forward to score two goals. Under the circumstances, Bafana must be congratulated the team for the achievement.,” said the legend.
“The keeper was outstanding, he was the player who kept us in the game and he was alert, focused, and agile in the first 20 minutes,” he continued.
“He is the epitome of the team and made them tick. Well, the outcome will be criticized, but there is less to criticize and we can praise the coach for neutralising the Libyan attack,” said the former Ajax Cape Town coach.
The finals will be hosted by Egypt between June and July, and former Afcon winner Nyathi says Bafana should plan properly for the showpiece.
“I think we need to plan better for any tournament and we must be prepared, handle the pressure and also show hunger,” he reacted.
“The guys showed hunger and I hope they keep the team and they will definitely have experience at a high level and it will be very important to gain momentum. It is very encouraging for them to qualify - congratulations,” concluded Nyathi.
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