JOHANNEBSURG – Gordon Igesund was elated at his team’s victory over the 2010 FIFIA World Cup champions Spain.
“It is a fantastic result and I am so pleased that we played a friendly like this because we beat the world champions, they were fighting for their lives, we wanted to give our people something to think about going forward,” said Igesund. “The next step will be to focus on playing at CHAN 2014. I am very positive about this team.”
Bafana Bafana played against Spain in an international friendly at FNB stadium on Tuesday evening November 19 and Bernard Parker scored the only goal of the match in the second half. This is their biggest victory since winning the African Cup of Nations.
Bernard Parker scored the only goal of the game on 56 minutes and might have added a second when he found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper later on.
There were some nervy moments at the back for the home side, with goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune having to make a number of fine saves, but they hung on at the end for a famous win.
“The coach’s plan was spot on, the tactical plan about how we need to close them down,” said Parker at the Press Conference afterwards. “We were strong in the midfield, they had a lot of possession but we managed to contain them. We caught them off guard and I am pleased to say that I have scored against the world champs. Our team spirit is very high.”
Bafana Bafana has only a few weeks left before they prepare for CHAN 2014 which will start on January 11 to February 1, 2014 in South Africa.
Only players who play their soccer in their countries will be selected for their national teams.
“I have a good idea who those players will be that is why I have selected a team to play against Spain with an average age of 24 years, said igesund. He stated that he will only have a few weeks to get the team together to prepare for this important championship in South Africa next year.