Bafana Bafana put up a spirited performance against five time World Cup Champions on Friday, despite losing by 1-0 in a match played in front of enthusiastic fans in Sao Paolo.

It took a second half goal from substitute, Hulk, to break the Bafana Bafana hearts who were playing their first game under the new mentor, Gordon Igesund.

The defeat was the fourth in a row against the mighty Selecao who were many times ’'in sixes and sevens’ against a seemingly rejuvenated Bafana Bafana team.

The team received rave reviews following the performance last Friday with Itumeleng Khune, who could do nothing with Hulk’s strike in the second half, giving one of his finest performances in the national team jersey.

“I felt that the Brazilians were there for the taking. We attacked them in their own backyard and showed no signs of nervousness,” he told kaizerchiefs.com after the pulsating encounter.

“We are disappointed that we lost, but then again we can build from this kind of performance and credit should go to everyone for giving their best. The Technical Team prepared us well for the game and hence they should also get credit. We are now focused on the second assignment against Mozambique in Mbombela on Tuesday.

Khune, who has been Bafana Bafana no. 1 since 2009, played down his heroics on the night; “It is all about teamwork. We fought as a team for the pride of the nation. The game was for us about restoring the pride of Bafana Bafana and even though we lost we know that we gave our all”.

The game also saw Khune’s Club teammates featuring with Siphiwe Tshabalala and Siboniso Gaxa in the starting line-up, while Bernard Parker who watched his cracking strike go just over the bar came on as substitute with midfielder, Reneilwe Letsholonyane. Eric Mathoho watched the proceedings from the bench.