Bafana Bafana legend Benni McCarthy has heaped praise on Evidence Makgopa following the striker’s outstanding display in South Africa’s 1-0 victory over South Korea at the ongoing FIFA World Cup.
Makgopa was handed his first start of the tournament and played a key role as Hugo Broos’ side secured a famous win to book their place in the knockout stages.
The Orlando Pirates forward made his third appearance of the competition, having featured as a second-half substitute in opening two group-stage matches against Mexico and the Czech Republic.
McCarthy described Makgopa as the “focal point” of Bafana’s attack against South Korea, praising his work rate and physical presence throughout the encounter.
The former Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers striker said Makgopa never allowed the South Korean defence a moment’s peace, constantly pressing from the front.
He added that Makgopa formed an excellent partnership with Relebohile Mofokeng in leading Bafana’s high press, preventing South Korea from building attacks comfortably from the back.
“I think he was the focal point for South Africa. He didn’t really allow the Korean defence a lot of breathing space because him and Rele, they kind of worked really well together as a two,” said McCarthy on Sporty TV.
“You saw when they were pressing with Rele – they were side to side. So, when the ball goes to the left, Evidence goes out and Rele tucks in and then they kept working well.
“But aerially, he was solid, he contested for every opportunity and it was relentless so Korea could never have control over the ball by winning it easy because he was contesting
“So, every time they were winning the balls, but it was dropping into positions where Oswin was picking up, Rele was picking up and then we were on the front foot.
“So, that was key and then he was giving us an outlet, he was always the last man, he was always stretching the defence. So, when we were a little bit under pressure, we were able to go long into him and he would hold it up and that was key, that was key because now you could have somebody like Rele that was able to control because Evidence was occupying two players.
“So, Rele because he was playing closer to Evidence, he had a lot of free range passes when he picked up the ball, he could have time and pick his spot which was fantastic.”
‘Only the goal was missing’
McCarthy added that he wished Makgopa had scored a goal, saying it would have given the striker a great sense of satisfaction after all his hard work.
“It was just a shame, the performance that he had, he didn’t score a goal because that would have been good, because as a coach, me I want to look at my striker and be like yes you’re doing a lot of unbelievable hard ground work but sacrificing for the team, working but [when you score] you give yourself that cake also that you put a ball in the back of the net,” he added.
“That gives you just the satisfaction, all the hard work is for something but he was incredible for South Africa today.”