Kabelo Dlamini ‘s first half penalty and Ime Okon’s second half header was sufficient to give the host country three points and a second place move in the group with three points, one behind Mozambique at the top with only one group game remaining. Only the best of the four groups at regional level will make it through to the knockout round.
Bafana team boss Vela Khumalo introduced four changes in the side that lost 1-0 to Mozambique in the opening game with Siyanda Msani, Kwanda Mngonyama, Masindi Nemtajela and Boitumelo Radiopane coming in for Puso Dithejane, Victor Letsoalo, Sanele Barns and Vuyo Letlapa.
South Africa controlled most of the ball but lacked clinicality in front of goal in the first half. Nemtajela missed two opportunities to put his side ahead shooting wide in the 13th and 15th minutes. Zimbabwean goalkeeper produced some super saves against a Radiopane shot and Kabelo Dlamini’s attempt inside 20 minutes. But in the 39th minute, Nemtajela was brought down in the box and won a penalty for South Africa which Dlamini slotted home to break the deadlock. Bafana would have been 2-0 up at the break courtesy of Siphesihle Mkhize but it was stopped by Martin Mapisa.
Bafana continued their rhythm in the second stanza and almost doubled their lead five-minutes in. Radiopane found Nemtajela who had spotted the Marumo Gallants keeper off position but the midfielder was off target. Bafana were given another opportunity in the 69th minute. They received a set-piece and Dlamini delivered it into the box looking for Radiopane but the striker could not score the attempt.
The 22-year-old forward once more saw his shot blocked by Mapisa in the 75th minute. The pressure from Bafana was eventually to be rewarded three minutes later when a set piece by Gape Moralo was finished by Okon with his head.
Bafana host Mauritius on Tuesday in the last group match at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium.
