Bafana hero Lebogang Phiri happy to deliver in national colours
Bafana Bafana had a new hero on Sunday in midfielder Lebogang Phiri, who netted the solitary goal which saw them edge Sudan at Orlando Stadium.
The Guingamp man made only his seventh appearance for the national team, earning what was a rare start at international level.
Lebogang Phiri grabs rare opportunity
He made his opportunity count, with his well-taken left-footer eventually earning South Africa their first points in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers.
Having been part of the setup on and off since making his international debut in March 2015, Phiri says he wants to build on his man-of-the-match performance.
“I’ve always awaited my chance and the day came,” Phiri said.
“I did my best and fortunately got us the goal that got us the win which is important.
“It’s something to build on and to just keep moving forward. For me each and every performance is of importance especially in the national team because we get four or five call-ups per year,” Phiri added.
“So at club level that’s where you find your form and when you’re with the national team it’s just about building on your performances to ensure that you give your best. “Whether I’m selected or not I know I can give it my all when I’m playing.”
Phiri played for the Bidvest Wits juniors before being loaned off to Danish outfit, Brondby in 2013.
His stay in Denmark became a more permanent one in the same year, as he graduated to the club’s first team, where he made over 100 appearances before moving to France in 2017.
For Guingamp, the 25-year-old has been a regular starter with 12 appearances in the ongoing Ligue One campaign, where he has notched up three assists.
South Africa’s win puts them level on three points with Sudan and Ghana, with the latter in action against the other team in the group, Sao Tome e Principe, on Monday afternoon.
They, however, remain in third place in Group C, owing to the superior goal-difference of the two other teams.
Bafana were praised for their efforts by Sports Minister Nathi Mthethwa, who Tweeted:
“It is clear from the energy they came in with that our boys had their eyes on the prize! Well done to Bafana Bafana for their 1-0 victory against Sudan today, you’ve reminded us you have what it takes & while we can always improve, we are very proud of you!”
Nathi Mthethwa
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