South Africa’s coach Stuart Baxter says he is happy that his boys were able to frustrate a “very good” Nigerian side in the opening game of the 2019 African Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The Bafana Bafana shocked a listless Super Eagles 2-0 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom, on Saturday.
Speaking on the win, Baxter said: “We opened up the game in the first half but unfortunately we did not score. Beating Nigeria is very interesting.”
“Nigeria is a very good side but my boys prevented them from scoring. We are trying to develop our boys and expose them.
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Interestingly, it was Tokelo Rantie, the striker who terrorised the Super Eagles two years ago, that again opened the scoring in the 56th minute before his teammate Percy Muzi Yau scored the second goal in the 83rd minute.
The defeat was the first loss for Gernot Rohr as Super Eagles head coach.
Rohr said that his boys played well in the first half but were overpowered by the experience of the South Africans in the second half.
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“We had difficulties in finishing the match because we made so many efforts in the first half while some of our players were tired in the second half.
“We tried to open the wings and bring power to the team but unfortunately it did not yield fruits.
“I have trust in these boys because they played well in the first half but they could not score. We win and lose together.
“I think the next game with Cameroon will be very interesting. It will be better, much, much better,” he said.
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