Bafana Bafana drew 1-1 with Mauritania in their 2017 African Cup of Nations qualifier in Nelspruit on Friday.

The match between South Africa and Mauritania got off to a cagey affair, with neither side showing any attacking intent in the opening 10 minutes.

However, Mauritania opened the scoring against the run of play as Diallo Guideye’s low shot from 19-yards out sailed past Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune in the 17th minute.

Shakes Mashaba’s men managed to level matters in the 26th minute when Hlompho Kekana headed home from six-yards out.

Bafana Bafana striker Thamsanqa Gabuza had a great chance to hand Bafana the lead, after a defensive lapse from Mauritania, but Brahim Souleymane was quick off his line to thwart the big striker.

Despite South Africa dominance in possession in the first 45 minutes, the score remained at 1-1 as the sides entered the halftime break with the scores level.

Bafana Bafana were awarded a penalty 10 minutes into the second half when Khassa Camara was adjudged to have handled in the box. However, Thamsanqa Gabuza stepped up and had his spot-kick but his penalty was well saved by goalkeeper Boubacar Toure.

Mauritania were then reduced to 10 men in the 75th minute when Ismael Diakhite deliberately handled the ball and he picked up his second yellow card.

With Bafana Bafana searching for the goal to take the lead for the first time, Mashaba introduced Gift Motupa for Vilakazi for the final 10 minutes of the match.

The home side pushed for a winning goal with a number of chances in the closing stages of the match, but could not penetrate the Mauritania defence and were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw.

The point sees Mashaba’s charges finish the group in third position behind leaders Cameroon and Mauritania