Bafana Bafana will have to wait until their final Group E games to secure their Afcon qualification after their 1-1 draw against Nigeria at the FNB Stadium on Saturday, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.
A 26th minute strike from Lebo Mothiba cancelled out Buhle Mkhwanazi’s own goal , which sees South Africa remain second in Group E with nine points, while the Super Eagles top the group with 10 point to book their place in next years Afcon competition.
The player rating are as follows:
Itumeleng Khune: 7/10
The Kaizer Chiefs shot-stopper stood tall between the sticks for Bafana and had a relatively quirt afternoon, depsite being unable to prevent Buhle Mkhwanazi’s own goal.
Thamsanqa Mkhize: 5/10
Mkhize, who came in for Ramahlwe Mphahlele, had a mixed performance and looked threating down the right flank, although he lacked the final ball into the box.
Thulani Hlatshwayo: 6/10
The Bafana captain did well to challenege for every ball that came into his path, although he was caught out of possession on numerous occasions.
Buhle Mkhwanazi: 6/10
Although Mkhwanazi gifted the Super Eagles with an early goal, he did well to defend his territory, despite struggling to deal with the pace of the game.
Sifiso Hlanti: 4.5/10
Hlanti endured an average display compared to his normal standards in a Bafana jersey. Like Mkhwanazi, he struggled to deal with the pace of the Nigerian forwards and often missed his target while in attack.
Hlompho Kekana: 6/10
Kekana was a shodow of his normal self in midfield, but was strong in the middle of the park, despite giving away possession on a few occasions.
Tiyani Mabunda: 6/10
Mabunda put in a good performance and was often seen breaking down play in the midfield, but did not offer much assistance going forward.
Themba Zwane: 6.5/10
The Sundowns attacker failed to assert his authority and creativity on his return to the Bafana setup and struggled to break down the Nigeria defence.
Thulani Serero: 4/10
Serero failed to make an impact on his return after his long absence from the national team. He did not show up on the day and was missing for most of the game before being substituted.
Percy Tau: 8/10
Tau was arguable the best performance on the day and despite not getting on to the scoresheet. He managed to show his quality after setting up Mothiba, who scored the equalising goal, earning him the Man of the Match award.
Lebohang Mothiba: 7/10
Leading the attacking line for Bafana in the absence of Tokelo Rantie’s absence, Mothiba showed his composure in front of goal by saving Bafana’s blushes by scoring an eqaulising goal following Tau’s magical pass to out the forward through on goal.
Substitute:
Thembinkosi Lorch: 5/10
The Orlando Pirates winger came on for an ineffective Serero in the second half, but failed to make that much of an impact, although showing his pace on the flanks.
