We deserve to beat Super Eagles--Mashaba

Head coach of Bafana Bafana of South Africa, Ephraim ‘Shakes’ Mashaba is not pleased with the late minute's equaliser by the Super Eagles which earned both sides a 2-2 draw, on Wednesday night at the Akwa Ibom International Stadium, Uyo, in a 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) last group qualifier.

Second half substitute Sone Aluko's brace denied the Rainbow Nation its first win over Nigeria in a competitive game, after Bournemouth striker Tokelo Rantie had scored in the 42nd and 49th minute respectively.

The 64-year-old tactician said his wards deserved to run away with three points and break the jinx of beating Nigeria for the first time in a competitive game.

“Nigeria is a dangerous side with a lot of world-class players and so, we did well in that match. Our two goals actually frustrated the Super Eagles and prevented them from playing their normal game and I think luck was just against us. We should have run away with victory.

“This is still a good result because we have proved that the players, who are mostly domestic lads, can compete with any side.

“I’m quite confident that South Africa won’t add to the numbers in Equatorial Guinea (AFCON
2015) but will compete for the title," said Mashaba, a former coach of Swaziland.

He stated that the 1996 AFCON winners will ensure adequate preparation for the bi-ennial showpiece saying that: “We will prepare well for the championship after we would have organised two or three friendlies".

Meanwhile South Africa topped the group A of the AFCON qualifying series with 12 points ahead
of the Republic of the Congo with 10 points, while Nigeria finished with eight points leaving
Sudan at the rear.

Caption: Shakes Mashaba.