Defending champions Bafana Bafana failed to qualify for the Cosafa Cup semi-finals after they were beaten 1-0 by Tanzania at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Sunday, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.

The South Africa side came into the tournament as host nation and defending champions as they locked horns with the Tanzanians, who finished top of Group A during the group stages.

Stuart Baxter’s side got off to a good start and came close to breaking the deadlock in the seventh minute when Liam Jordan forced Manula into making a save to keep the scoreline level.

South Africa then had the ball in the back of the net in the 17th minute as Judas Moseamedi slotting past the Tanzanian goalkeeper, but the midfielder was flagged for offside.

However, Tanzania then took the lead in the 18th minute after Elias Maguri broke free on goal before volleying his effort into the back of the net from close range to make it 1-0.

Bafana had a chance to level matters in the 42nd minute when Jordan picked out Moseamedi before the midfielder volleyed his effort at goal from 12 yards out, but his effort was guided wide of the target.

Cole Alexander nearly found the back of the net ten minutes into the second half when he was picked out by Webber, but the midfielder failed to hit the target with his effort.

The South Africans upped the tempo as the match went on, but failed to convert their clear-cut opportunities in the final third.

Thendo Mukumela came close to scoring in the final minutes of the match when he tried his luck from distance, but his effort failed to hit the target

Bafana pressed forward in search of an equalising goal in the closing stage of the match, but failed to break down the Tanzanian defence as South Africa dropped to the Plate section, while Tanzania advanced to the semi-finals.