Majoro's leg injury Setback for Bafana

Marc Strydom

BAFANA Bafana's euphoria following their convincing Africa Cup of Nations 2-0 soccer win over Angola has been tempered by the news that striker Lehlohonolo Majoro could miss their next match, against Morocco.

Majoro, who came off the bench to score South Africa's 62nd-minute second goal, has had seven stitches in his shin after sustaining an injury in the dying minutes of the game.

The Kaizer Chiefs striker told Cafonline yesterday: "I'm definitely out for our last group game against Morocco. The injury isn't looking good but the doctors have assured me it can be fixed soon."

However, coach Gordon Igesund said yesterday the injury might not be as severe as first thought. He said Majoro might even play against Morocco, who Bafana face at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban in their final Group A game on Sunday.

The news comes as a blow, but after an inspired team performance Bafana are on a cautious high.

Bafana captain Bongani Khumalo believes Wednesday's victory could have been the kick-start the Africa Cup of Nations hosts needed to get their momentum rolling. However, he said South Africa, Group A leaders with four points, needed to keep their feet on the ground.

Bafana bounced back after an unconvincing 0-0 draw with Cape Verde Islands. Morocco (two points) and Cape Verde (two) drew 0-0 in Wednesday's late game. Angola have one point.

"Positivity is always needed in a tournament like this. And one way of getting it is putting in a performance like today [Wednesday]," Khumalo said. "The support here [at Moses Mabhida Stadium] was unbelievable."

Ahead of the encounter, Igesund said Bafana needed to get goals behind them, and a win, and the rest would fall into place. He got his wish with his side's brave performance. "We hope that we get the momentum going, and this well help a lot. But we don't want to get carried away – it's only one win."

Igesund opted for an attacking line-up, with forwards Katlego Mphela, Tokelo Rantie, Bernard Parker and Thuso Phala in front of playmaker May Mahlangu. Siyabonga Sangweni scored the first goal in the 21st minute.

Bafana's confidence in attack would not have been as effective had it not been for the tireless display by Dean Furman as the lone defensive midfielder. "The coach took a gamble with four at the back and Dean sitting, and as players we had to back ourselves as well," Khumalo said.