Furman ‘devastated’

DEAN Furman was left heartbroken after missing a penalty in the shoot-out as home nation South Africa exited the African Cup of Nations.

Athletic’s 24-year-old captain was the first of three Bafana players to fail from the spot in Durban. His penalty was saved by Mali goalkeeper Soumbelia Diakite, whose country progressed to a semi-final date with Nigeria after a 1-1 draw and 3-1 penalties victory.

“It is devastating,” said Furman after the game. “It is so painful. I feel very bad to have missed the penalty.

“But as a team we have to look at the future and build on this performance in the World Cup qualifiers.”

Furman was due back in England today and can hold his head high after being widely considered to be among his country’s best performers in the tournament.

The other AFCON semi-final features Burkina Faso and Ghana.