Nigeria parked the bus, says Mashaba

South Africa coach, Shakes Mashaba, believes Nigeria approached Sunday’s game negatively and are the happier of the two sides at the end of the match.  

Bongani Zungu’s stoppage time goal cancelled out Ahmed Musa’s 85th minute strike to secure Bafana Bafana a 1-1 draw at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on Sunday.

The hosts controlled the pace of the game and enjoyed superior ball possession. They even missed a penalty when Daniel Akpeyi saved Andile Jali’s effort from the spot.

Mashaba has now hit out at the Super Eagles ultra-defensive game.

“We were supposed to have walked this game. Our plan was to build on from the back because somehow I felt that they would be coming playing negatively,” Mashaba said.

“They were happy with a draw, you could see the way they played, they parked at the back there and then if you look at the back we were on occasion making between 12 and 13 passes. They wouldn’t come out and pick us up. I think that does show that they were comfortable with a draw.”

Overall, Mashaba is satisfied with his team’s performance, though, rue the missed chances.

“When we took a game to them, just with a bit of mobility into open spaces, we came out strong. The only thing that we still need to address is finishing,” he said.

“First half without any doubt it was our half, second half up until we missed the penalty that is when things started changing. They started coming at us.

“We were in the driving seat; I think the boys did very well. Only thing we need to work on is finishing, we do create chances, the only problem is finishing.”