Bafana Bafana striker Tokelo Rantie has taken ‘full responsibility’ for his penalty miss against Algeria, but is keen to move on and look ahead to the next match against Senegal.
Rantie was guilty of missing a penalty against Algeria in South Africa’s opening Africa Cup of Nations match on Monday night.
The Bournemouth player’s miss proved to be a turning point in the match as Shakes Mashaba’s side went from 1-0 up to lose the game 3-1.
“I take full responsibility. When we were awarded the penalty I just went for the ball as I felt very confident and did not even think I could miss it,” Rantie told SAFA Media.
“I am very disappointed that it did not go in but as we all know it can happen to anyone in the game. No person steps up to take the penalty to miss. I am trying hard not to dwell on it because it will not help me move forward when I am given another chance to play.
“The penalty issue is gone and it’s time to move on. I am also glad I have teammates who understand that it could also happen to anyone. They didn’t criticise me even though they are disappointed that I did not score.
“If I take all the negativity of missing the penalty into the next match I will be failing my teammates and the whole squad as I will not be able to perform to the best of my abilities.
“Stressing about the penalty won’t help anyone. I just need to be mentally strong. But I am very excited about the next game. That is my focus right now.”
Rantie believes that if Bafana continue where they left off against Algeria and improve om certain aspects, they can get the better of Senegal in the second Group C match on Friday night.
