Goals by Percy Tau and Lebo Mothiba inspired Bafana Bafana to a 2-0 victory against Zambia in the final of the Four Nations tournament on Saturday evening, writes MARSHALL GOUTS.

Chipolopolo started the brighter of the two teams and should have gone ahead in the ninth minute when Orlando Pirates striker Justin Shonga was gifted a one-on-one opportunity, however goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune ensured that the scoreline remained level.

Stuart Baxter’s side took the lead six minutes later when Tau took advantage of some poor goalkeeping to give his side the lead.

The Mamelodi Sundowns striker could have had his brace in the 22nd minute, but his effort went inches wide of the goal.

Zambia threatened the South African defence in the latter stages of the first-half, but they were unable to restore the scoreline heading into the half-time break.

Chipolopolo almost went level after Ramahlwe Mphahlele’s poor pass to Khune was almost capitalised on, however the keeper made another telling save.

The Chiefs shot-stopper was at it again, seven minutes later, when he kept out a goalbound header from Ziyo Tembo.

Bafana opted for their first change of the game in the 66th minute when Kamohelo Mokotjo was replaced by Dean Furman.

In a bid to put the game beyond any doubt, South Africa brought on striker Ryan Moon for Sibusiso Vilakazi in the last quarter, and they were duly rewarded as substitute Mothiba doubled his side’s advantage to give his side a 2-0 lead moments after coming on the pitch.

Starting XI:

Bafana: Itumeleng Khune, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Daniel Cardoso, Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Innocent Maela, Teboho Mokoena, Siphesihle Ndlovu, Kamohelo Mokotjo, Keegan Dolly, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Percy Tau.

Subs: Brendan Peterson, Reeve Frosler, Sifiso Hlanti, Motjeka Madisha, Dean Furman, Aubrey Modiba, Themba Zwane, Phakamani Mahlambi, Lebogang Mothiba, Thembinkosi Lorch, Ryan Moon.

Photo: Football Association of Zambia Facebook page