Bafana Bafana legend Doctor Khumalo has praised Orlando Pirates duo Relebohile Mofokeng and Evidence Makgopa for the roles they played in the 1-1 draw with Czechia.
Bafana came from a goal down thanks to a late Teboho Mokoena penalty to secure an important point which left their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages alive.
Mofokeng was introduced at half-time for Jayden Adams, while Makgopa replaced Iqraam Rayners after 66 minutes, with Khumalo stating both had a positive impact on the game.
“When are we saying ‘wow’! He [Mofokeng] came on, he changed the game,” Khumalo said on SABC3.
“I said it, Makgopa will make a difference because when he gets the ball, it doesn’t bounce back. He’s the only striker that I saw after Mexico to be introduced.
“Out of five balls, he won four aerial and duels in terms of playing him as a referral. He was holding it for the oncoming traffic.”
‘The Point To The Promised Land?’
Khumalo also insisted that no one should downgrade the vital point Bafana collected against Czechia.
“At the end of the day, you say the point that you probably think is not worth having it is the one that will save your soul,” he added.
“It’s a tournament, a tournament is a journey, a marathon. So you don’t disrespect what this boys achieved.
“And that’s why I’m saying they can only build from what they’ve done.”
After Mexico beat Korea Republic, the co-hosts already booked their spot in the Round of 32. If Bafana would beat the Asian nation, they would also secure a first-ever place in the knockout stages.