Stuart Baxter, the Bafana Bafana coach who last night helped guide the national team to this year's Africa Cup of Nations by beating Libya 2-1 to finish as runners up in Group E, had initially divided opinions with his line-up.
The Englishman went a little conservative with six defensive-minded players, but still had the attacking threat of two-goal hero Percy Tau, Lebo Mothiba and Themba Zwane to put pressure on the north Africans.
Read: Clinical Tau Sends Unbeaten Bafana To AFCON
Thulani Hlatshwayo, Sifiso Hlanti and Buhle Mkhwanazi were the three centre backs, while Thamsanqa Mkhize and Innocent Maela were surprise choices at right and left wingback respectively.
Dean Furman was in his usual anchorman role and Kamohelo Mokotjo played a little further forward, but still had to help with defensive duties.
Explaining his game plan to the media shortly after the final whistle when Bafana had sealed qualification to the AFCON in Egypt later this year, the coach gave reasons for his approach.
Read: Baxter's Last Roll Of The Dice
"We knew that we had to come here and play well. We had a game plan, but it was difficult to settle on it – because do you go flying and trying to get the winning goal or sit back? I went for a combination of both. The longer the game went, the more I thought the players played well," said Baxter.
On his late substitutions, the coach added: "Look, you pick a team that you think is going to win the game. Unless something has happened to convince you that this team is not going to win the game then you don't make substitutions unless you get an injury. I thought the players were magnificent."
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