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Igesund calls for fans' support

Johannesburg - Head coach Gordon Igesund has called on South African soccer fans to remain positive ahead of Bafana Bafana's second Africa Cup of Nations match in Durban on Wednesday night.

The host team played to a dull goalless draw against Cape Verde in the tournament opener on Saturday, and while they have been criticised for their continued struggle to score goals, Igesund believed they would find the back of the net against Angola.

Bafana Bafana, who last won the continental showpiece in 1996, have only scored seven goals in their last nine matches.

"The crowd on Saturday was brilliant. They really tried to lift the team in what was very challenging playing conditions," Igesund said on Monday.

"We now need the public to go to Moses Mabhida Stadium in their numbers and give the boys the support and work as the 12th player.

"The dream of winning this tournament is still very much alive and we believe it is a question of time before we turn the chances into goals."

Igesund said it was up to the national team to repay the public for their enthusiasm.

"We will do our best to make our amazing supporters happy," he said.

"They have been fantastic throughout and they need to be rewarded with performances that warrant their unwavering support."

Kirsten Nematandani, the president of the SA Football Association, urged South Africans to get behind the team, despite their troubles in front of goal.

"Bafana Bafana needs our support as we still have an excellent opportunity to progress further in this tournament," Nematandani said.

"Football is as much a mind game as it is one of skill and we urge the public to continue supporting and encouraging our boys to regain that winning mentality."

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