How do you beat a super-giant like Nigeria 2-0 and then three months later lose to a minnow that had zero points.
Cape Verde were zeroes prior to Bafana Bafana landing in Praia: zero goals, zero wins, zero points. They were the tailenders of the four-team 2018 World Cup group D.
Having kicked off his second stint as Bafana coach in sensational fashion - Stuart Baxter shot down the Super Eagles of Nigeria in a historic 2-0 victory in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo - more of the same was expected in the back-to-back 2018 World Cup qualifiers.
Especially because Bafana shot down the Super Eagles with finesse, flamboyance and flair.
Truth be told, there were no excuses for Bafana to capitulate the way they did if all those involved, especially the 64-year-old Briton, handled the Cape Verde matches as seriously as they took Nigeria three months ago. Baxter has shouldered the blame for these ignominious defeats, thanks to the mind-boggling manner in which he lined-up his charges.
Goalkeeping
Itumeleng Khune kept goal in Uyo. His experience is unparalleled. His command of his area and communication with his defence inspires confidence. His distribution is top drawer. His illness and injury to second choice Darren Keet hamstrung Baxter.
Ronwen Williams has never settled at international level, having conceded eight goals in four matches - five of those in the 5-0 butchering by Brazil. He has never been the same since. Nuno Rocha's double strike added to Williams' woes.
Wayne Sandilands, who had some tangible experience of playing in the Caf Champions League for current champions Mamelodi Sundowns last year, always looked an obvious choice. The new Orlando Pirates recruit got his chance in Durban this week and had no chance in stopping Garry Rodrigues' two thunderbolts.
That Baxter opted to slot in Sandilands in Durban clearly indicates he was never certain of Williams' capabilities, which begs the question as to what he was thinking when he experimented with him in a paramount away World Cup qualifier.
Rearguard
In Uyo, the back-four of Mulomowandau Mathoho, Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Thulani Hlatshwayo and Tebogo Langerman were a defiant defence in motion, anchoring the team's tactically mature performance.
If they were pathetic in Praia, they were shambolic in Durban.
The ever-quiet captain Hlatshwayo was found in wrong areas in most of the goals Bafana conceded. But where he glaringly showed his lack of depth was in commanding his troops, whether defending or going forward.
Cape Verde's first goal in Praia is a punishable crime that you never allow anyone to commit at international level. A cross on the right, where Langerman failed to block, was allowed to go all the way to Rocha. He was given acres of room and time inside the area to strike the first blow. From there onwards it never looked like Bafana had a commander-in-chief both on (captain) the field and off it (coach).
Engine room
If the 2-0 victory in Uyo was built on resilient defence and speed on the counterattack, the two 2-1 defeats were a result of the absence of those two traits and more.
Bafana's success in Nigeria was realised through the intricate interchange of excellent passes between midfield players and strikers. In that match, Baxter started the match with Bongani Zungu, Themba Zwane, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Keagan Dolly and, of course, his beloved Dean Furman.
In Praia, it was minus Vilakazi as Baxter opted for Lebohang Manyama, who was never visible until he was subbed. The engine room blew its gasket.
On an artificial pitch, they were never expected to gel like they did in Uyo. But the least they could have done was to derail Cape Verde from bombarding our defence with dangerous through passes while looking to catch them on a break like they did when Zungu delivered that delicious pass to Tokelo Rantie, who opened the score in the 14th minute.
In both matches, Bafana midfield players were guilty of being caught ball watching, especially in the danger zone. The questions remain though on what Baxter did to correct these wrongs from the moment we took the lead in Praia?
Forward line
The midfielders formed part of the attacking fulcrum in Uyo. So effervescent they were that Zwane could have emerged a two-goal hero had his efforts not been kept out by the woodwork. Dolly was denied a penalty. The scoreboard was not a true reflection. In both matches against Cape Verde, Baxter's attack was as timid and toothless as a Cape Town bergie.
Verdict
The midfield needed inventory and that isn't something Furman is blessed with in abundance. But he played almost every minute.
Baxter raved about the talents of Thulani Serero. He never gave him a second. He waxed lyrical about Kamohelo Mokotjo. He gave him only 29 minutes. We wonder how long it will be before Kermit Erasmus tells Baxter he is not a bench player, like he told Shakes Mashaba.
There isn't a creative player like Percy Tau in South Africa today. He is awkward to mark and has a bagful of tricks. He scored a good goal with his first touch in Uyo. Reward him with a starting berth and watch him do for country what he does for his club Sundowns.
The idea that grew prominently about Baxter during this double disaster is that he is a one-trick pony. Bradley Grobler gave his best but when it came to substitution time, Baxter pulled him off when taking off Rantie seemed sensible.
The players didn't come to the party. But their coach is the one who froze. This was a different Cape Verde from the one that played against Burkina Faso.
Baxter has succeeded in failing to take Bafana to the World Cup, like he did when he could not qualify them for Germany 2006.
