Bafana outclassed

Bafana Bafana still have a lot of work to do if they want to be competitive at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The boys were separated from the men in Abuja, when the Super Eagles clinched an easy 2-0 win in their first 2010 qualifier.

As hosts, South Africa, don't need to qualify for the World Cup, but it would be very embarrassing if the hosts of Africa's first World Cup can't even qualify for the Continental tournament.

Besides Nigeria fielding a much more settled, balanced and experienced team, they were also light-years ahead in the one on one exchanges, being faster, stronger and more skilled than their Bafana counterparts.

Rowan Fernandez seemed obsessed with punching the ball clear instead of catching it, something expected of any world-class keeper.
Bevan Fransman outplayed the average Aaron Mokoena at centre-back, with better! timing on the tackles and pressing up and hassling the strikers.

Bryce Moon showed great speed and still has a nice cross, but his positioning left him missing at the back and out of the game up front.

Tshepo Masilela never got forward and failed to cope with Nigeria's strong right side at times.

Kagiso Dikgacoi's positioning was outstanding, despite his lack of pace.

Lance Davids stuck to his job, but showed nothing special on attack and defence.

Macbeth Sibaya got through a match without making a fatal error, but also failed to get Bafana going forward.

Steven Pienaar tried hard, but seems to have lost his golden touch and had no one to play off.

D! elron Buckley seemed out of sync and Surprise Moriri did almost nothing.

So it's no wonder the Super Eagles had about 70 percent of the possession and a clean sheet.