Gordon Igesund's starting line-up against Angola was far more offensive as he opted for only one holding midfielder, while also playing two strikers, even three, if Bernard Parker could also be counted.
READ: Impressive Bafana down Angola
The main objective in the 0-0 draw with Cape Verde, especially in the first half, appeared to be about keeping the opponents at bay.
READ: Bafana, Cape Verde in dire stalemate
In Durban it was a different story as Bafana set about taking the game to Angola from the outset.
"I told the players to believe in themselves," Igesund said. "I told them I believe in them.
"We played only one holding midfielder and I was confident the holding player [Dean Furman] would do the job [defensively] with the back four, and they did.
"Obviously I gambled. I said to myself I'm not scared to lose, and if I can tell the players I'm not scared to lose that's why we went the way we went."
Former Afcon-winning goalkeeper Andre Arendse was also pleased to see South Africa adopting a more positive attitude and being more incisive in their forward forays.
"It was not so much our passing game, but the outcome of the passes," he explained.
"We know we can put a string of passes together, but in the past Bafana have been criticised for passing sideways and backwards.
CLICK HERE for more on the 2013 Afcon
"The possession stats have always been good for us without really meaning anything.
"But today Dean Furman, and May Mahlangu when he was on the field, they were really in the thick of things and we looked to get the ball to our strikers as early as possible," said Arendse.
It is however still far too early to get carried away with one win; Bafana's four points by no means guarantee their passage into the next round, something Igesund is aware of.
"Each game is different and there may be a different scenario going into the last game and lets see where we stand.
"We don't want to get too carried away because its only one win.
"I think I have made it very clear before that I have no favouritism in my team. I select a team that will do the job on that specific day against specific opposition."
Your comments on this story...
They just ONLY won against a lousy Angola for heavens sake
They have won a mini-fight the war is still ON
CAN WE NOW GET SOME CHAMPIONSHIP NEWS:
How is Kala
Lungu
Chansa
Katongo
Sunzu?
Neil Tovey should take a closer look at Masilela's form..!! Come on, Neil..!!!
Dankie Gordon for unleashing this beast....Let them call you a racist we don't care.
A BIG FAT FACT: Sangweni does not care about those Pirates fans who are against the national team, he loves his country and would die for it....Look at the picture...
Dankie Ntsimbi.
Knowing Gordon, I won't be suprised if he Fks things up against Morocco like he did when he was still a Pirates coach. Against Ajax CP in the Rothmans Cup, Brendon Silent played well during the 1st game which Pirates drew. During the replay, he played Silent as a right back because Carlo Scott was fast & on-form. It back-fired, Pirates were humbled by a 4-1 score.
He did the same in many games while coaches Pirates & again at Downs. Gordon panics during high-pressure games & must not be trusted.
posted: 12:12 pm | Report
Look at Dean Furman's gesture on the picture...it shows his attitude and commitment to the national team.
Dankie Gordon for unleashing this beast....Let them call you a racist we don't care.
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True daar.....take a 2nd look @ this pic, Khosi we should really do something ngezinwele zaMay Mahlangu, akageze ikhanda lomfana or agunde straight. Umbonile uMeyiwa ugezeke kanjani, he shaved his head and he has ditched his Swankie Look products...Majoro has put him Loreal and Mitchum. He is clean now....
Asibambisaneni silwisane nokungcola kwinational team....
posted: 12:12 pm | Report
Look at Dean Furman's gesture on the picture...it shows his attitude and commitment to the national team.
Dankie Gordon for unleashing this beast....Let them call you a racist we don't care.
=======================================================
True daar.....take a 2nd look @ this pic, Khosi we should really do something ngezinwele zaMay Mahlangu, akageze ikhanda lomfana or agunde straight. Umbonile uMeyiwa ugezeke kanjani, he shaved his head and he has ditched his Swankie Look products...Majoro has put him ON Loreal and Mitchum. He is clean now....
Asibambisaneni silwisane nokungcola kwinational team....
The Phefeni Boy
posted: 12:12 pm | Report
Look at Dean Furman's gesture on the picture...it shows his attitude and commitment to the national team.
Dankie Gordon for unleashing this beast....Let them call you a racist we don't care.
=======================================================
True daar.....take a 2nd look @ this pic, Khosi we should really do something ngezinwele zaMay Mahlangu, akageze ikhanda lomfana or agunde straight. Umbonile uMeyiwa ugezeke kanjani, he shaved his head and he has ditched his Swankie Look products...Majoro has put him ON Loreal and Mitchum. He is clean now....
Asibambisaneni silwisane nokungcola kwinational team....
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ngezinwele zaMay Mahlangu, akageze ikhanda lomfana or agunde straight. Umbonile uMeyiwa ugezeke kanjani, he......
.LOL......hayi Feelo uyangibulala sho...
when we played capeverde they called us names, some even said is the end of the road because we couldn't beat the weakest team. when we beat angola, some said \"nothing special we won against a lousy angola\\". we don't care about abathakathi base orlando basazonya. proudly SA
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@naturena4sure
Dankie KHosi....angeke balunge...KUZONYIZA LA
This national team is in this current state(shambles) because of people who will always accept mediocrity.
We won't stop criticising and/or praising Bafana if and when necessary. That is our role we will play to help the national team. Like I said before we are not here to please(lick others behinds) ja basses here and we will always point out on deficiencies each and everytime we see them..!
This national team is in this current state(shambles) because of people who will always accept mediocrity.
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@Mopheme
Calling Gordon a racist is not criticism, it is an insult...It is uncalled for....if you guys want to criticize the national team you are welcome to do so .....but please to do constructively..
I pause:
Big up to you guys you are helping the situation unlike this bo jabaas, jabaas, jabaas in everything and things end-up being out of hand..!!