Zebras snatch a point against Bafana

BOITUMELO KHUTSAFALO
Staff Writer | Monday June 11, 2012 00:00

 

Ofentse Nato's strike salvaged a point for Zebras against Bafana Bafana in the 2014 World Cup qualifier at UB stadium on Saturday. South Africa had taken the lead earlier in the first half through Kaizer Chiefs defender, Morgan Gould.

Zebras' coach, Stanley Tshosane opted for a right-footed player, Musa Ohilwe in the left back position ahead of Edwin Olerile and Ontse Ntesa. Ohilwe however, played well and dealt superbly with most of Bafana Bafana attacks on the wing.

Mompati Thuma returned after missing the first game against Central African Republic through injury to partner Ndiyapo Letsholathebe at the heart of the defence. Mochudi Centre Chiefs defender, Tshepo Motlhabankwe played at right back and proved once again how reliable he can be both on the defensive and attacking duties.

Zebras were the first to get a real scoring chance as early as the third minute when Motlhabankwe delivered a beautiful free kick into  the box. Joel Mogorosi rose high above Bafana Bafana defenders but his powerful header hit the crossbar.

Bafana Bafana then took control of the match especially in the midfield. Nato and his midfield partner, Patrick Motsepe were often found wanting and pressure piled onto the defence. In the 11th minute, South Africa were awarded a corner kick. Stephen Pienaar delivered into the danger area and Gould headed home to give Bafana Bafana the lead. They piled pressure in search of the second goal, but were denied by Zebras goalkeeper, Kabelo Dambe on several occasions. Zebras had the chance to go level in the 24th minute, but South African defence led by Bongani Khumalo and Gould reacted quickly. Two minutes later, Bafana Bafana striker, Siyabonga Nomvete beat Thuma and set up unmarked Katlego Mphela, but his shot was saved by Dambe. Zebras equalised in the 37th minute through Nato after a good build up. 

Eight minutes into the second half, Dambe was again tested, this time by Siphiwe Tshabalala with a curler at the far post, but he stretched well and parried it away. Zebras right wing started to get more and more into the game with Mogorosi giving Punch Masenamela a torrid time with pace and skill.

Masenamela was subsequently substituted after getting a caution following a foul on Mogorosi. Both sides made changes in the second half as they tried to get a winning goal. Mogakolodi Ngele made way for Moemedi Moatlhaping, while Phenyo Mongala replaced Lemponye Tshireletso.

South Africa on the other hand introduced Tokelo Rantie for Nomvete, while Mzikayise Mashaba came in for Masenamela. However, both sides could not find the back of the net. It was South Africa's second draw in the qualifiers having played to another 1-1 draw at home to Ethiopia, a result that led to the sacking of coach, Pitso Mosimane. 

The line-ups: Zebras: Kabelo Dambe, Motlhabankwe, Ohilwe, Thuma, Letsholathebe, Nato, Motsepe (Kekaetswe Moloi 83), Mogorosi, Tshireletso (Mongala 63), Ngele (Moatlhaping 59), Jerome Ramatlhakwane

Bafana Bafana: Itumeleng Khune, Anele Ngconga, Masenamela (Mashaba 61), Gould, Khumalo, Thanduyise Khuboni, Tshabalala (Teko Modise 68), Pienaar, Nomvete (Rantie 59), Mphela, Oupa Manyisa Cautions: Letsholathebe, MasenamelaReferee: Mahamadou Keita (Mali)