Thapelo Morena Urges Stronger Defense in Bafana's Afcon Qualifier Against Congo
Bafana Bafana defender Thapelo Morena has called for an improved defensive performance ahead of Friday's crucial Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier against Congo in Gqeberha.
Currently second in Group K with four points from two matches, South Africa needs a solid result to strengthen their campaign. In their opening qualifier against Uganda, defensive errors led to a 2-2 draw, with Thalente Mbatha scoring late to rescue a point. Similar issues occurred against South Sudan, where Bafana also conceded but managed a 2-1 win thanks to another late Mbatha goal.
Morena emphasized the need to eliminate these defensive mistakes and execute a professional performance against Congo.
"The coach has provided us with detailed information about Congo, and we've identified areas for improvement," Morena told Safa media. "The key is to tighten up defensively and capitalize on our chances. We've been strong away, but it's crucial to also perform well at home."
Morena acknowledged that coach Hugo Broos has focused on improving the team's attitude and learning from past mistakes, especially after reviewing their recent AFCON performance.
"We've doubled the number of goals we're conceding since AFCON, and that's something we, as players, need to address to restore hope for South African fans," the Mamelodi Sundowns defender said.
Bafana Bafana's match against Congo will kick off at 7 p.m. on Friday at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.
Currently second in Group K with four points from two matches, South Africa needs a solid result to strengthen their campaign. In their opening qualifier against Uganda, defensive errors led to a 2-2 draw, with Thalente Mbatha scoring late to rescue a point. Similar issues occurred against South Sudan, where Bafana also conceded but managed a 2-1 win thanks to another late Mbatha goal.
Morena emphasized the need to eliminate these defensive mistakes and execute a professional performance against Congo.
"The coach has provided us with detailed information about Congo, and we've identified areas for improvement," Morena told Safa media. "The key is to tighten up defensively and capitalize on our chances. We've been strong away, but it's crucial to also perform well at home."
Morena acknowledged that coach Hugo Broos has focused on improving the team's attitude and learning from past mistakes, especially after reviewing their recent AFCON performance.
"We've doubled the number of goals we're conceding since AFCON, and that's something we, as players, need to address to restore hope for South African fans," the Mamelodi Sundowns defender said.
Bafana Bafana's match against Congo will kick off at 7 p.m. on Friday at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.
