Baxter still upbeat despite South Africa’s loss to Cote d’Ivoire

South Africa coach, Stuart Baxter yesterday said his team’s display in their 0-1 loss to Cote d’Ivoire showed they could provide a tough test for any opponent at the Africa Cup of Nations, reports AFP.

Nicolas Pepe twice went close with free-kicks on another hot afternoon in Cairo but it was Jonathan Kodjia’s goal on 64 minutes that gave 2015 champions Cote d’Ivoire victory in the side’s opening Group D match yesterday.

“I think we dealt with them quite well in first half and it was an even game. In the second half the heat affected both teams and the tempo dropped, but I think we were comfortable in the game,” said Baxter, as temperatures again peaked around 37 Celsius (98.6 Fahrenheit).

“We can’t complain about losing the game but I thought the players put in a great performance and it’s a great learning curve for us.”

Having missed out on the 2017 competition, South Africa’s return has seen them placed in what appears the toughest section with Herve Renard’s Morocco waiting for Bafana Bafana in their final game.

Their next match is a regional clash against neighbours Namibia, who conceded late in Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Morocco, and Baxter admits South Africa’s knockout aspirations will be on the line.

South Africa’s coach Stuart Baxter looks on prior to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) football match between Ivory Coast and South Africa at the Al Salam Stadium in Cairo on June 24, 2019. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO / AFP)

“We are going into both games looking to take points. I think we showed enough to say we can actually take points from this group.”

Unlike Ivory Coast coach Ibrahim Kamara, Renard and Baxter, there is no pressure on Namibia boss Ricardo Mannetti, who admits his team are lucky just to be in Egypt.

“It’s going to be a good game, it’s a local derby sort of game so I think it’s going to be a much more combative game,” said Baxter of Friday’s encounter with Namibia.

“There are lots of ways to win a game, it’s not just about throwing the kitchen sink. You’ve got to be smart about it and not step on a landmine. If either team loses then they can say goodbye.”