Bafana Bafana legend Jabu Mahlangu has explained the important role of Evidence Makgopa for the national team, despite the striker having scored only once thus far in the AFCON.
Bafana sealed a spot in the last four of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) underway in Ivory Coast after defeating Cape Verde in a penalty shootout following a goalless draw.
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Although Makgopa had silenced critics with the opening goal against Morocco in the quarter-finals, there has been some criticism from sections of supporters that the Bafana attacker failed to find the back of the net against Cape Verde.
Mahlangu has taken to social media platform Instagram to come to the defence of the Orlando Pirates striker.
"Well done to Makgopa, ever ready and hardworking," Mahlangu said.
"I know we want goals from the striker but this guy is really contributing and working a lot in terms of his movement in allowing the likes of Mshishi (Themba Zwane) and [Teboho] Mokoena to run into the pockets.
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"The team was disciplined technically and tactically...
"They applied themselves very well. Yes, we want to dominate games but it's football, sometimes it forces you to sit back and wait for those opportunities and I think in this tournament we are doing that very, very well in terms of our counterattacks and our patience.
Next for Bafana is a semi-final clash against Nigeria to be played on Wednesday. Kick-off is at 19:00.
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