Igesund rues Majoro injury

South Africa coach Gordon Igesund described striker Lehlohonolo Majoro’s injury as a ‘big blow’ ahead of his side’s clash against Morocco.

Majoro, who netted the second goal in South Africa’s 2-0 win over Angola at the Africa Cup of Nations, will have stitches removed from his shin on Tuesday.

It rules the 26-year-old Kaizer Chiefs striker out of Sunday’s encounter in Durban and Igesund said he would be taking no risks with Majoro.

“It’s a big blow. Not only him, we also have KG (Kagisho Dikgacoi) and Lerato Chabangu out and now Majoro too,” Igesund said.

“I think the other two are going to be in contention but Majoro has seven stitches in his leg and if it opens up again he could miss the tournament, so we have to be careful.”

Morocco are likely to need a win to have any chance of progressing from Group A, with Cape Verde favourites to overcome Angola.

South Africa midfielder Thuso Phala said the win over Angola had lifted his team’s spirits and believes they must still be positive against what is likely to be an attacking Morocco side.

“Morocco need a win to qualify so it will be a very tough game. We just have to go out there and be positive and focused. I think we’ll do well,” he said.

“We knew that we had to get a win (against Angola) to get the nation behind us early on and bring that positive vibe back into the team.

“We’ve got that and moving forward things are looking good for us.”

Morocco attacker Nordin Amrabat labelled the clash against South Africa a final for his team.

“It’s easy. Everything is in our hands. If we win the next game against South Africa we are in the next round,” he said.

“I think we also go number one in the pool. It’s a final. It’s easy. Everything is in our own hands. It’s our job to take the three points and go to next round.”