Expectations were high the day after the draw that placed South Africa in Group C of the CAN 2021 qualifiers. Because apart from Ghana, the blow seemed playable against Sudan and Sao Tome. But the Bafana Bafana bow to Khartoum, which buries the last hopes of Molefi Ntseki.

“ We have caused emotional suffering to all South Africans,” Molefi Ntseki told BBC Sport Africa . Thus measuring the immense disappointment of not qualifying for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

However, for the 6th and final day, the Bafana Bafana only needed one point in Sudan to pass. The South Africa coach was even moving with a plan in Khartoum . But it’s a bitter defeat that Percy Tau’s teammates bring back from Khartoum.

“ It was a very big setback for us to concede two goals in the first half. We missed opportunities. That day, we couldn’t score a goal or equalize, ”he admits. But more than defeat, it is the prospect of missing the Cameroonian meeting that upsets the technician.

“Failure to qualify tarnishes our image”

” Failure to qualify tarnishes our image, our possibilities ,” adds Ntseki. As avid South Africans, Bafana Bafana were expected to qualify for CAN – and maybe do better than last time around. We players and coaches are very aware of the emotional pain we have caused all South Africans. “

South Africa gave in in the last turn of the three-way battle with Sudan and Ghana. Sao Tome is the prime victim of the C group . The fault, in part, to the Covid-19 pandemic, believes his coach, deprived of many players. However, he faced other challenges. ” Having to travel immediately after the game, then have a training session and then play a game …”, that’s a lot for Ntseki.

But after this painful outcome, the time has come to re-mobilize the troops. The 2022 World Cup qualifiers arrive and South Africa will have to extricate itself from Group G where it will then find Ghana. Zimbabwe and Ethiopia notably complete the group.