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Baxter calls for his troops to respond

Cape Town - Bafana Bafana head coach Stuart Baxter has hinted that he might ring some changes to the team that takes the field on Tuesday, September 5 in a crucial FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Cape Verde at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

The match kicks off at 19:00.

South Africa lost 2-1 to Cape Verde on Friday evening to put a spanner in the works on their chances to qualify for Russia 2018.

However, a goalless draw between Burkina Faso and Senegal in Ouagadougou the following day, threw Group D wide open again.

Baxter said that Tuesday’s match with a home crowd, he would definitely look at playing a more offensive side knowing Cape Verde would be buoyed by their win on Friday.

"It is definitely going to be an open game considering Cape Verde would be more confident and we would go for it," he said on the official SAFA website, adding Thulani Serero would be available for selection after missing Friday’s encounter with a slight knock.

"Cape Verde would be feeling confident, hopeful and I foresee a very competitive game." 

Baxter said it was imperative for Bafana Bafana to quickly respond to Friday’s setback but refused to say how many points a team that will win the Group is likely to have.

"I am one person who doesn’t want to take things for granted because in such instances, anything is possible," he said.

"We need to adjust quickly and respond to Friday’s setback."

The Bafana Bafana coach said Friday’s result was disappointing but it was not necessary to dwell on the past and negatives.

"We played well in the opening 20 minutes and I honestly think we conceded two goals which were avoidable," said Baxter.

"All the two goals were poor decisions from our players and even when we were a man down (after defender Eric Mathoho was sent off) we created better chances but all in all we never got going on the day."

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