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Igesund to ring the changes

SoccerNews in General Soccer News 22 Jan 2013

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South Africa coach Gordon Igesund has forecast changes after the hosts battled to a 0-0 draw with Cape Verde in their Africa Cup of Nations opener.

The 56-year-old saw his side eek out a disappointing goalless draw ahead of potentially tougher fixtures against Group A rivals Angola and Morocco.

Igesund was not prepared to divulge who would be axed from the under-performing side and stressed the need to avoid panic with all eyes on the host nation.

“I don’t want to divulge too much information right now, but there will be a few changes, yes. I think some very positive changes, quite exciting changes,” Igesund said.

“As I say, it needed to be done. Certain players have had a chance, and they need to now look at the big picture and as I said – we need to win this game (against Angola on Wednesday).

“There’s no reason for stage-fright. You know this happens, it’s our first game. A lot of pressure on players.

“But the best thing for us was to forget about that game. We got a point out of it. We wanted to get three, we got a point. And now everything’s in our hands. There’s no room now for us to panic.”

The opening draw has increased the pressure on South Africa and Igesund knows only a win against Angola will do.

“I think it’s going to be a good contest out there. And we need to respect them as we do,” he said.

“But as I said early on we need to be brave sometimes and try and get them on their back foot and be very offensive and let’s see if we can score the goals we so badly need.”

Angola head into the clash in a similar predicament having battled to a 0-0 draw with Morocco in their opening game, and coach Gustavo Ferrin knows his side will have their work cut out against a more experienced South African side.

“When we came to the tournament we qualified as one of the weakest teams in the group,” Ferrin said.

“(But) we can do well, and we have dreams of qualifying.

“And the project continues on course – continuing to work with the experienced players supporting the young players. And continue creating players for the senior team.”

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