Ayanda Patosi equalised in the second half to secure Bafana Bafana a draw against Ghana in Durban on Tuesday, writes WADE PRETORIUS.
Playing in front of a sparsely populated crowd at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, the hosts failed to make good use of playing with a strong wind at the backs in the opening exchanges.
Mashaba cut a frustrated figure on the sidelines as his much-changed side struggled to deal with the vibrant, pacey Black Stars.
Debutant Brighton Mhlongo’s first touch in international football was a save as he denied Boye from close range after a Christian Atsu through ball. South Africa were at sixes and sevens as they failed to keep hold of the ball and consistently handed possession back to the visitors, who attacked in numbers.
Considered by many as a bit of a yo-yo man in the South African setup, Ayanda Patosi failed to take Bafana’s best chance of the half as his first touch let him down leaving him to strike tamely on target to no avail.
Bafana midfielder May Mahlangu was unable to take advanaage of some space in midfield as he let fly from range but his shot drifted wide before Ghana regained control of proceedings.
Mhlongo was called into regular action as the Bafana backline scrambled to deal with a number of half chances before another debutant, in the form of Isaac Nhlapo, gave away a penalty following a clumsy challenge on Harrison Afful in the 38th minute.
Mhlongo guessed correctly by diving to his left but Muburak Wakaso’s strike was too fierce for the Orlando Pirates goalkeeper to keep out. Mashaba then reacted by hauling Nhlapo off four minutes before the break to end a nightmare debut.
The hosts returned from the half time break a new side and pressed forward confidently in search of the equaliser. A wild strike from Thabo Matlaba was followed by a delicate chip from Patosi. The Belgium-based forward hit Sibusiso Vilakazi’s cross first time from wide right but found Kwarasey off his line as South Africa drew level in the 51st minute.
The match ebbed and flowed before a moment of contention in the 71st minute as substitute Thulani Serero, on for Patosi, got on the edge of a Abbubaker Mobara through ball and was brought down by Edwin Gyimah in the box but no penalty was given. The Holland-based playmaker sprung to his feet and reacted angrily to the decision but did little to change the ref’s mind.
There was a cause for concern in the 75th minute as Ramahlwe Mphahlele was stretchered off after landing awkwardly from an aeriel challenge. His absence left the home side with 10 men on the field for a short while before the Kaizer Chiefs defender managed to shrug off the injury concern and retake his place for the remaining 12 minutes.
Eleazar Rodgers played in Thamsanqa Gabuza in the 84th minute but the Pirates forward failed to direct his shot on target as he ended up spurning a great chance, the last of the match, to sneak the win in Durban.
The draw will leave coach Shakes Mashaba with plenty to ponder ahead of November’s World Cup qualifier against Group D favourites Senegal.
Photo: Muzi Ntombela/Backpagepix
