Moorosi Tsiane
MAKOANYANE XI coach Bob Mafoso says he is aware of the danger that their next opponents in the ongoing Under-20 COSAFA Cup, Mauritius, may pose to their campaign when they clash this afternoon in Zambia.
The national under-20 side goes into the match on the back of a 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Madagascar on Thursday. On the other hand, Mauritius were also thumped 5-0 by the relentless defending champions, South Africa in their first match.
Mafoso told Sunday Express that his side had a good game plan against Madagascar which worked for most of the first half before they committed a “school-boy” mistake that saw them conceding the first goal.
“I think we restricted Madagascar from playing as they would have wanted to play in the first 30 minutes by defending well and catching them on the breaks while also having spells of possession,” Mafoso said.
“We however, gave away a cheap goal from a situation where we could have defended better.
“Even after conceding the first goal, I think we still looked like we would score so we kept pushing. Unfortunately, we conceded a second goal in the second half and it was then that we knew it was going to be tough to bounce back.”
Mafoso said his charges struggled to for possession because their opponents were more physically fit.
“Madagascar were more aggressive and won most physical battles. We tried to play but they were just the better team.”
Mafoso said going into their next match, they would work harder and push numbers in the attacking third. He also said they would also work on their players’ confidence.
“We must still work on our transitions. We always look second best in terms of reaction…”
One team from each of the three groups will advance to the semifinals, with the fourth team proceeding as the best runner-up.
Mafoso said they still have a chance of qualifying for the next round although they must double their efforts in their next two matches against Mauritius and South Africa.
“We still have the chance to qualify. I believe we can still make it to the next round – all we need is to ensure that our boys are in the right frame of mind.
“We have had the opportunity to watch our next opponent (Zambia) play, which is a plus. Unlike playing Madagascar, a team that we know nothing about.
“No team is a pushover in this tournament. Madagascar worked tirelessly to get their win over us. We must prepare to be better and to double our efforts for us to win on Sunday,” Mafoso said.