Bafana Bafana stand-in coach Owen da Gama says that their two international friendly matches against Guinea-Bissau and Angola were worthwhile experiences.

The South African national team defeated Guinea-Bissau 3-1 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, followed by a goalless draw against Angola at the Buffalo City Stadium in East London on Tuesday.

Bafana Bafana used both international friendlies to prepare for the upcoming 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Cape Verde later this year.

The 55-year-old believes the national team gained valuable experience playing against Guinea-Bissau and Angola, and he is confident that his side are well prepared for their clash against Cape Verde.

‘I believe it was a very worthwhile exercise for us,’ Da Gama told Safa.net.

‘The two opponents (Guinea-Bissau and Angola) have typical Portuguese influence, which Cape Verde also has – off the ball running, very quick, and technically very strong players, but not physically overpowering.

‘There are a lot of similarities and now we have a good idea of what to expect when we face Cape Verde. This was the best possible preparation we could have had for the World Cup qualifier.’

Da Gama says he is well aware of the consideration that goes into selecting the right squad for their qualifying match,  insisting that there is no room for ‘trial and error’.

‘But also you have to understand that in a qualifier, it’s far different than in a friendly match – in a qualifier you can only make three substitutions,’ he added.

‘You have to be sure of the positions you are going to play, meaning you have to make sure that you put the right person in the right position and there’s no time for trial and error.’

Bafana Bafana will next take on Cape Verde in their World Cup qualifier which is scheduled to take place on August 28, 2017.

Image: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix