Cape Town – Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter admits that star striker Lebo Mothiba played with a hip flexor problem against Nigeria in Cairo.
The Super Eagles advanced to the semi-final of the Africa Cup of Nations after defeating South Africa 2-1 on Wednesday night.
Mothiba, leading Bafana Bafanas attack, started the match but failed to have any impact due to a strong Nigerian defensive line and poor decision making in the final third of the pitch when attacking.
Baxter revealed that the RC Strasbourg forward was selected after he underwent a fitness test the night before.
However, the 23-year-old who failed to score any goals at AFCON did not finish the match, and Lars Veldwijk replaced forward in the 80th minute.
"I think its important that the players feel the trust of the coach in every situation and Lebo came to me last night with the doctor and said that he had a hip flexor problem," Baxter said of Mothiba who picked up the hip problem during the French Ligue 1 season.
"We tested him, and he could play. Thats why I took him off at the finish, hes hip flexor was sore I dont think he played badly.
"Hes a young player, playing against very experienced players and playing in a very difficult gamRead More
