Retired defender Pierre Issa admits he struggled to sleep after scoring two own goals in Bafana Bafana's 1998 FIFA World Cup opener against tournament hosts and eventual champions France.
Born in South Africa, Issa had parents from Lebanon that were raised in France and holds citizenship of all three countries.
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"I didn't sleep for two nights after that; I was feeling very upset. It was a difficult night for me in your stadium and in your country," Issa told Sports Night with Andile.
The 1998 showpiece was also Bafana's first-ever and exited at the group stage with two points from draws against Denmark and Saudi Arabia as Frenchman Phillipe Troussier held the reins.
"It was good and bad because I was playing first of all in France where I grew and especially in Stade de France where I grew up and was playing with my club and unfortunately with the own-goal it was not easy after that.
"I think it was a nice way to say I would not be there and say for example but it's like this, it's part of football and unfortunately there's good days and bad days and that was part of my career too with Bafana.
"But at the end it was good after that, I still managed to continue and play for the national team and do my games like you mentioned about 50 games with the national team, and also good wins and memories after especially in African cups and good wins also with the team.
"But for sure, 98 also for me I understand the people of South Africa remember that 20-25 years ago when it happened.
Now based in Greece after he hung up his boots in 2009 while on the books of OFI Crete, Issa made 47 appearances for Bafana though got no goals.
He turned out for some of the biggest names in World football like Olympique Marseille, Chelsea and Watford, though he would've wanted to don the colours of a DStv Premiership side.
"My only regret, as I said before on this show was not to play for a local team to be there and celebrate more with all the people down there because I can see the support that they give to their teams, it's fantastic.
"This was really a bit my own regret not playing in the country, but I still follow the PSL and the Bafana for sure and just to keep supporting the team as they are doing, and it's a great nation and great country of football," Issa said.
The 48-year-old is currently the Sporting director of Greek giants Olympiacos and he also resides in the same country.
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