Tau ready to carry Bafana over the line
Percy Tau says he feels no particular weight on his own shoulders, as Bafana Bafana attempt to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations today, taking on Libya in their final Group E match in Sfax.
Percy Tau (Gavin Barker/BackpagePix)
South Africa need a point or better to progress to Egypt 2019, while Libya will qualify if they can beat Bafana in a game being played on neutral territory in Tunisia, because of the civil unrest in Libya.
Tau has been the attacking talisman of this Bafana side for some time now, one of South Africa’s bright sparks of an otherwise disappointing 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifying campaign, netting two goals.
He has grabbed another two goals in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying, while also providing an extraordinary assist for Lebo Mothiba in November’s 1-1 draw with Nigeria.
Tau followed that up a few days later by netting the equaliser in the Nelson Mandela Challenge against Paraguay.
If Bafana are to find the net against Libya, it is most likely that Tau will be involved.
“I never put pressure on myself,” said the 24-year-old, currently on loan at Belgian second-tier side Union St Gilloise from English Premier League side Brighton.
“There are 11 guys on the pitch and everyone has a role to play, I am just on the lucky side, I have to finish.
“Everyone is looking forward to the match we are trying to get into a good mood so we can get the points we need, everyone is excited to be here and just wants to get rolling,” added Tau.
Tau is a certain starter in Sfax, as, most likely, is midfielder Kamohelo Mokotjo, having recovered from an Achilles injury. Keagan Dolly, however, is not available after failing to prove his fitness, while Bongani Zungu could get a place on the bench.
“At one stage Kamo Mokotjo had a bit of an Achilles problem, and the different pitches here compared to the ones he plays on in England were a bit of a problem, but the doctor sorted it out and he is okay,” said Bafana coach Stuart Baxter.
“We had a little issue with Keagan coming back from a long injury and only playing reserve games (at his club). He was brought for assessment and he has a very tight hamstring, so we have decided he is not going to be selectable.
“Zungu is also under assessment and has looked better and better, I am not sure if he will be available from the start, but he has made himself available in the squad.”
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