Canada head coach Jesse Marsch has revealed which Bafana Bafana players his side identified as the biggest threats ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash.
The tournament co-hosts secured their place in the Round of 16 with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Africa, ending Bafana Bafana’s historic World Cup run.
Marsch said his team went into the match determined not to allow key players such as Teboho Mokoena, Oswin Appollis and South Africa’s other attacking threats too much time or space on the ball.
The former Leeds United coach felt Canada executed their game plan well, although he acknowledged that Hugo Broos’ side still managed to put together some attacking combinations during the match.
Marsch added that he was particularly pleased with how his players limited Bafana’s attacking movements, preventing them from creating many clear-cut scoring opportunities throughout the game.
“We knew… Mokoena, Appollis and all their attacking talents, we knew if they had too much space, they can make [use of it],” said Marsch.
“That’s why we didn’t chase the goalkeeper that much even when he was standing on the ball, trying to slow things down.
“The last thing we wanted to do was to get a stretched game and give their talented players room and space to be getting on the ball and creating combinations.
“They were still able to do that at certain moments but I think we limited South Africa from being too dangerous and creating big chances.
“That’s an accomplishment on the day because they’re still an explosive team. I think our structure, discipline and our commitment to make the game hard on them is what made us win the match.”
