Bafana unlucky to only manage equaliser

Bafana Bafana was unlucky to just grab a draw in their match against Nigeria at Mbombela Stadium on Sunday. Bongani Zungu’s stoppage-time equaliser secured a 1-1 draw in a friendly which saw the hosts outplay their opponents.

From the get-go South Africa were on the attack. Aside from a first-minute free kick for the Super Eagles which was saved by keeper Itumeleng Khune, Bafana created the most chances in the first half, but failed to capitalise on them.

Erick Mathoho’s header off a corner in the sixth minute was blocked by Nigeria keeper Daniel Akpeyi. A shot by Zungu was also tipped over the bar by the keeper. Tokelo Rantie’s shot at goal in the 25th minute was blocked by defender Leon Balogun.

Another two free kicks just outside the area went over and wide. Bafana continued the attack but spirited defending by the Eagles saw both teams go into half time 0-0.

After the break the visitors looked more alive, getting more ball and creating chances of their own.

Bafana’s best chance came from a penalty kick in the 60th minute after Thulani Serero was brought down in the area. Andile Jali’s attempt was easily stopped by the keeper and a follow-up shot deflected off the upright.

A counter-attacking Eagles saw a shot at goal go wide before Bafana captian Thulani Hlatshwayo put a free kick over the crossbar. Nigeria again responded with a counter-attack which resulted in their captain Ahmed Musa slotting one home past Khune.

Yet the period had been wrought with injuries, adding an extra four minutes of play and it was only in the last minute that Zungu found the equaliser. Jali was named man of the match.

South Africa’s u/17 team played that of Mali in the curtain-raiser. It also ended in a 1-1 draw.

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