Head coach Hugo Broos has explained the somewhat surprise substitution of winger Oswin Appollis during Bafana Bafana's 2-2 draw against Uganda last Friday.
Broos' charges came from behind to draw 2-2 against the determined visitors, who had gone 2-1 up after a howler by goalkeeper Veli Mothwa for their second goal, in a 2025 AFCON qualifier at Orlando Stadium.
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After Lyle Foster opened the scoring, all was smooth-sailing, but two quick goals from Denis Omedi and Rogers Mato put the Cranes ahead, giving the home side a scare.
Thapelo Morena and Iqraam Rayners were brought in for Elias Mokwana and Oswin Appollis.
As a last roll of the dice, South Africa's head coach brought Relebohile Mofokeng on, along with club teammate Thalente Mbatha for his debut in national team colours.
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The move turned magical when Mbatha scored a stunner of a volley from the edge of the box in added time to save Mothwa's blushes and earn what could turn out to be a crucial point when all is said and done.
The withdrawal of Appollis, however, did raise eyebrows as he had the opposition defence in sixes and sevens in the first half. His shots on goal, in particular, troubled Ismail Watenga between the sticks.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Broos shed more insight into the decision to withdraw the Polokwane City man.
"Yeah [Appollis was good], but we had to try something at that moment," the Belgian offered.
"You are 2-1 down, you have to take some risks. We played with two strikers, Iqraam and Lyle. Then we have two fresh wingers with Thapelo [Morena] and with Rele, and I think there was a little bit of a change in the field – also with Thalente in the midfield.
"We had more speed, and we played a little bit quicker. So, I think that was also why we changed, not because they were playing badly, but we needed fresh blood in the team and, okay, it was a good choice to do it."
Bafana face a must-win encounter against South Sudan away from home on Tuesday.
Kick off is at 15:00.