But three games without goals speak out clearly on the lack of needed clinical finishing of those counter opportunities and the overemphasis of careful defensive work.

 Against Burkina Faso number one striker Shaun Bartlett had been injured and a handful of chances had been blown. Ghana had proven to be too resilient and although South Africa had looked gradually superior in both matches they had only achieved two scoreless draws after two matches, leaving them with a must win situation against group leaders Morocco before the third.

 Overcareful they did not have a sole attempt on goal in the first thirty minutes to bring on Nomvete then for a tactical change. He ignited the first goal scene for the South Africans to take a flattering lead. After the break the South Africans exploited the weak right defensive side of the Noth Africans twice more to win their only match.

 Not different the tactics in the quarter final. South Africa patiently waited for end of the match, possible unconcentration of the hosts and counter opportunities. But this proved too little as it was the hosts who took the lead on an invidual effort out of the blue leaving the South Africans with only short time to score themselves. Though Bartlett returned they were not able to force the equaliser and had to leave Mali in disappointment.

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