South Africa’s Head Coach, Ephraim Mashaba, on Thursday said the team was still very much on track for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualification.
This is in spite of being held to a goalless draw by Congo Brazzaville at a rain-soaked Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa on Wednesday.
It was the second match in four days between the two nations after Bafana Bafana defeated Congo 2-0 in Pointe Noire, Congo, on Saturday.
Mashaba said: “They came with a game plan, which was not to lose.
“They were happy to settle for a draw.
“They came here to defend and frustrated us.
“We had chances to score but we couldn’t.
“But we are still on track.
“Our boys are doing well.
“I don’t think we need to press panic buttons.”
Mashaba expressed concern that his team fired on all cylinders upfront when playing away, but not at home.
With four matches played, South Africa scored five goals in two away fixtures, but have not scored in two home clashes.
Nevertheless, South Africa is still top of Group A with eight points, one above second-placed Congo.
Nigeria is third with four, while Sudan is bottom of the group with three points.
In their next clash against Sudan next month, South Africa will not have the services of defender Thulani Hlatshwayo, who has been suspended after collecting his second yellow card in the campaign.
South Africa hosts Sudan on November 15, at a venue still to be determined, and four days later, they will travel to Nigeria for last fixture of the qualifiers.
Eagleonline/PANA /NAN