South African player ratings against Canada
South Africa were bundled out of the World Cup on Sunday, losing to a late goal from Canada in the first of the knockout round matches at the competition.
On the balance of play, Canada did deserve their 1-0 victory, although it was a disappointing exit for Bafana Bafana, whose coach Hugo Broos said they lacked the necessary power and speed on the day.
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Here are the player ratings of the South Africans from their fourth and final game at the tournament:
Ronwen Williams (8): Several saves kept South Africa in the game, and there was little he could do to prevent Stephen Eustaquio’s 92nd-minute winner. He also did not make any distribution mistakes.
Khuliso Mudau (7): Some excellent tackles enhanced his reputation, and he did add to the forward movement but perhaps not as frequently as we know he can.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi (8): Another outstanding showing, rescuing Bafana on several occasions and having the pundits drooling over his ability. Chicago Fire could be selling him soon.
Ime Okon (5): Out of position at set pieces, where Bafana have been weak at the tournament, and while he made some good under-pressure clearances, it was his header straight back at Canada that gifted the co-hosts the chance to shoot for their winner.
Aubrey Modiba (5): He was busy but disposed of every time he went forward, quickly pressed off the ball by Canada’s physical approach, and therefore unable to add anything to the overall game.
Sphephelo Sithole (7): A strong performance at the heart of the team with many key tackles and a physical presence that did not allow Canada to dominate the midfield duels.
Teboho Mokoena (6): More was expected with Mokoena’s batteries recharged after sitting out the last game against South Korea. He tried a few long-range shots but was not as effective in driving the team forward.
Oswin Appollis (6): The winger was not aggressive enough initially, going back rather than taking on defenders, but in the second half, he started to look a lot sharper.
Relebohile Mofokeng (4): Taken off at halftime because he could not cope physically in the game. This is why it is going to be hard for Mofokeng to break in at the higher level of the world game despite all his skill.
Thapelo Maseko (4): Maseko has incredible pace but does really not know what to do with it and gets himself into a muddle rather than taking himself out of it. There was one comical moment where he actually left the ball behind.
Evidence Makgopa (5): It was another hard-working performance from Makgopa but few opportunities on the ball and when he did get a glimmer of a chance, his first touch let him down.
Thalente Mbatha (6): Added more power to the performance after coming on for Mofokeng at halftime but was not able to get off one of his customary long-range shots.
Iqraam Rayners and Tshepang Moremi also came on as substitutes but did not have enough time on the field for a rating.
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