Bafana Bafana claimed a 2-1 victory over Senegal in their World Cup qualifier at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

During the opening exchanges, both South Africa and Senegal failed to create any clear-cut opportunities at goal.

As the match went on, the Lions of Teranga had more ball possession and threatened a bit more in the final third, with the pace of Keita Balde troubling Bafana defender Thulani Hlatshwayo down the left flank.

Shakes Mashaba’s side had a chance to test the Senegalese defence, but were let down by their decision-making in the final third.

In the 40th minute, South Africa were awarded a penalty when a Senegalese defender was adjudged to have handled in the box. Replays, though, suggested the ball hit the defender’s leg instead of his hand.

However, Bafana Bafana captain Thulani Hlatshwayo stepped up to take the spot-kick and to hand his side a 1-0 lead five minutes before half-time.

Soon after, Bafana Bafana doubled this lead when Keagan Dolly picked out Mpho Makola, who in turn set up Thulani Serero to slot the ball into the bottom corner, beating the Senegalese goalkeeper.

The Lions of Teranga should have scored 10 minutes into the second half, but Moussa Konate headed wide of the target from six yards out.

Substitute Mame Biram Diouf tried to get the visitors back into the game in the 70th minute, but his headed effort flew over the crossbar from six yards out.

However, in the 75th minute Senegal managed to reduce the deficit to 2-1 when Ndoye fired the ball into the back of the net from point-blank range after some poor South African defence.

In the final 15 minutes of the match, the visitors gave their all for an equaliser, but Bafana managed to hold on to their 2-1 lead over Senegal until the final whistle.

The victory sees Bafana Bafana move to the top of Group D with Senegal in second place, one point behind the South Africans, with three points.

Image: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix