The Oldham Athletic midfielder put on a polished display in the centre of the park – along with Reneilwe Letsholonyane and May Mahlangu – an area of the game the Eagles were expected to dominate.
Furman was often the starting point of attack, and a saviour in defence during 120 minutes of football, which ended even at 1-1, and forced a penalty shoot-out.
He was tasked with the second kick after Siphiwe Tshabalala had scored Bafana’s first penalty. Furman hit his low and to the left but Mali goalkeeper Soumbeyla Diakite, who has a good reputation from the spot, saved the effort.
“In training I took it the exact same way, aimed for the same spot and it went in,” he told KickOff.com.
“I’m devastated, I’m totally devastated. It’s hard not to let it get to you when you know how much it means to the team and millions of people. We played well today; it’s just so hard to take.”
Furman, who has become a fan favourite, will have the chance to compete on another big stage when he returns to England, as Oldham tackle Everton in the FA Cup fifth round on February 16.
Your comments on this story...
It happens to all players .....e.g Roberto Baggio , Gabriel Batistuta, Romario, Ronney , Asomoah Gyan .
Thanks for your contibution and the other 22 soldiers ,
Siyabonga ......hard luck ,
Better luck next time ......you have our support 100%, we're proudly South Africans
spot and it went in \" mmmmhhh
for me furman was a better player in middle when its comes to defending, pushing, winning and passing though he made 5 or 6 unsuccessfull passes and missed the crucial penalty kick.
You send us out of the tournament and hurt millions of South Africans in the process Mr. Furman. No apology will be accepted at this level, you should make sure that you score a penalty at this level and no excuses. Why didn't you request GI to give the penalty to Sangweni or Gaxa because you were surely scared before even kicking the penalty.
Anyone who blames Furman, May or Major for missing a penalty, has either never played never before like that fat SABC 1 armchair critique Mzimasi, or is blinded by this idiotic club bias.
Mlungu..... I dnt balme u, whr were da most expirianced guyz???? Dd they chicken out??? It doesnt matter nw, we r out. Back 2 PSL!!! Wht jersey no will da famous Kalaba b wearing????
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Stop exposing yourself that you never played soccer and you are clueless young man. Don't these words from the editor give you an idea that players are tasked to take penalties \"He was tasked with the second kick after Siphiwe Tshabalala had scored Bafana’s first penalty. Furman hit his low, and to the left corner but Mali goalkeeper\"
How do you expect experienced players to choose themselves to take penalties if GI has got his own plan? You joined Kickoff today but already you want to be KING who always talk without substance.
Remove the following \"experienced\" yet \"always learning\" dead wood; Gaxa, Masilela, KG, Shabba, Khumalo.
These guys don't have football brains for international soccer: Phala, Shabangu and Mahlaba.
In: Patosi, Erasmus, Punch, Matoho, Claasen et al. Just saying.
Honestly speaking, this team did not deserve to lose against Mali, and Mali will not go beyond the semi final should they have the same display as last night.
The reason why Gordon's team lost last night was because of the lack of quality in the team. With 4 or 5 more better players (which we do possess), this team could've made it without having to go through to extra time.
Otherwise this was the best this team could offer. For their quality they performed better than what was expected of them.
Gordon will remain the coach. I do not doubt that. But I do hope he swallows his pride and selects the better players for world cup qualifiers.
Once again, congratulations for performing to the best of your ability even reaching the semi's.
In a new better team I trust.
InGordonWeBelieve
InGordonWeBelieve