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According to the football411.com website, a Tarik Elyounoussi goal sealed the game for the Norwegians on a night when the hosts missed a number of clear-cut chances.
And while the Orlando Pirates coach applauded Bafana'
performance, he acknowledged the team that took to the field at the Cape
Town Stadium is unlikely to be the same side that will start against
Cape Verde when the Africa Cup of Nations kicks off.
Video highlights: South Africa v Norway
GALLERY: Bafana v Norway
Speaking exclusively to football411.com De Sa added that he felt the result was irrelevant.
He said: "That was not the official starting eleven, I don't think so, and I think Gordon is playing his cards close to his chest. He can't give too much away about his first eleven.
"They played well and created good chances but sometimes that's not enough for a win which I think they deserved. Let's not get carried away by the result, it happens, and I say rather lose now than in the tournament."
Ajax Amsterdam midfielder Thulani Serero, Kaizer Chiefs striker Bernard Parker and Helsingborgs' May Mahlangu all came on in the second half of the match and although they added to the flair and pace of the hosts, they could not salvage a draw or inspire victory.
"I think Serero did well and Parker too. I'm not sure if Lerato (Chabangu) and Shabba (Simphiwe Tshabalala) will make the starting eleven. I would start Serero but let's not undermine Gordon, they played well last night and he knows what he wants. Giving comments is all we can do but it must be positive," De Sa added.
De Sa was part of the victorious 1996 AFCON squad that won the tournament on home soil and believes that with the raucous support that South Africans are known for, that Bafana start every game 1-0 to the good.
"We have the advantage and if the crowds are there who knows how far we can go? Fans boost teams so much and we should go in to games knowing they're behind us and that winning is a great possibility, we are 1-0 up before the game starts because of our supporters."
Bafana kick off their AFCON campaign against Cape Verde at the National Stadium on January 19.
