Cape Town - SA coach Shakes Mashaba has defended Tokelo Rantie after naming the striker in Bafana Bafana’s starting XI against Ghana.
Read: Manyisa out of Ghana clash
Speaking to safa.net, Mashaba believes that things could have change Bafana’s fortunes had Rantie scored the penalty against Algeria but defended the player and labelled him “world class”.
“Most people say, and I agree with them, that had we scored that penalty we would have made a difference,” said Mashaba.
“But world class players also miss penalties and we are not going to crucify Rantie for that miss against Algeria because these things happen.
“Also sitting here counting what could have been doesn’t help anymore. What we are looking forward to is to make sure we motivate our boys for the final game of the group stages and make sure that we win our game.”
Bafana Bafana starting XI:
Brilliant Khuzwayo (GK), Anele Ngcongca, Thabo Matlaba, Rivaldo Coetzee, Eric Mathoho, Dean Furman (C), Andile Jali, Mandla Masango, Thuso Phala, Tokelo Rantie, Bongani Ndulula.
Kick-off of both fixtures in Group C are set for 20:00.
Sport24 will have LIVE scoring and interactive match commentary from Bafana Bafana's all-important clash against Ghana.