Cape Town - There was much to ponder for Bafana Bafana after they managed to hang on for a 1-1 draw in an international friendly against Ghana at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban last night.
The Ghanaians dominated possession and territory for most of the 90 minutes - and, though the west Africans lacked purpose and desire in attack, the Bafana performance hardly fostered any confidence ahead of next month’s crucial 2018 World Cup qualifier.
The South Africans are scheduled to host Senegal on November 7 and, as such, the encounter against the highly-rated Ghanaians last night ostensibly served as a warm-up to test the depth and readiness of the squad.
Based on last night’s Bafana performance, there is most certainly cause for concern.
Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba released Mamelodi Sundowns’ Tebogo Langerman, Hlompho Kekana and Keagan Dolly after the draw with Burkina Faso at the weekend, to allow the trio an opportunity to prepare for the Pretoria club’s all-important CAF Champions League final first leg clash with Zamalek in Atteridgeville on Saturday.
In addition, central defender Eric Mathoho was given time off due to a death in the family. And, with heroic goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune rested, last night’s friendly against Ghana was billed as a chance for others to demonstrate their value and importance to the national football squad.
The verdict: There’s still a lot to work on...
Ghana were in the ascendancy right from the opening whistle as they pinned Bafana back in their own half.
The west Africans should, in fact, have taken an early when Abdul Majeed Waris was through on goal, but Bafana goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo made the necessary save.
It was a fantastic first international touch for the Orlando Pirates custodian, who was making his Bafana debut in coming in to replace Khune.
The tactics from the South Africans, especially for a home game, was rather baffling as they sat deep in their own half, allowing the opposition to come at them.
And come at Bafana the Ghanaians did, with some sweet passing football at times - it needed a packed Bafana defence and some resolute tackling to keep the west Africans at bay.
A goal had to come, and it duly did in the 38th minute. After another sweeping move from Ghana, Harrison Afful was brought down in the penalty area by Isaac Nhlapo and the referee awarded the penalty. Mubarak Wakaso stepped up to convert the spot-kick to give the Ghanaians a well-deserved lead. And Mashaba’s immediate response was to substitute Nhlapo and replace the rookie defender with Ramahlwe Mphahlele.
But, six minutes into the second half, Bafana managed to draw level.
After good work from Sibusiso Vilakazi down the right flank, the ball fell to Ayanda Patosi, who whipped in a swerving shot that dipped into the net.
The introduction of Ajax Amsterdam’s Thulani Serero in the 60th minute provided a bit more spark to the Bafana attack, but, with both teams seemingly content with the 1-1 stalemate, they were happy to run the clock down and take the result.
The Star