Bafana look a better outfit as they beat Botswana

STUART BAXTER will be pleased that, not only did his side reach the Cosafa plate final which will take place on Friday at Moruleng Stadium; but that they also showed a massive improvement from their 1-0 defeat they suffered against Tanzania on Sunday in the Cosafa Cup quarter-final.

In the first 20 minute, Botswana were very aggressive in their tackles as they tried to deal with the pressure that South Africa implemented on them.

That resulted in two of their players being given yellow cards, but the robust play did not derail Bafana Bafana’s performance. In fact, they kept on adding numbers forward in search of an opener.

Their efforts were rewarded after Riyaad Norodien struck a powerful shot to give the hosts the lead.

South Africa could have made it 3-0 before the break, but both Mohau Mokate and Mario Booysen fluffed decent chances.

Botswana also created some decent scoring chances Kaizer Chiefs shot-stopper Bruce Bvuma, was alert and well positioned to frustrate them.

In the second period, Baxter introduced Jamie Webber and Cole Alexander, and Alexander almost made an immediate impact when Botswana’s keeper Mwampole Masule, received a horrible back pass from his defence, with Alexander probing forward. Masule was quick with his reflexes and kept the ball from falling into the path of the Bafana midfielder.

In the 68th minute, Simisani Mathumo unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box that stretched Bvuma, and had the South African fans applauding. But the day turned ugly for Bafana in the final minutes as head coach Baxter was sent to the stands by the referee for comments made to the fourth official.

Just before full-time, Judas Moseamedi struck for Bafana to give them a deserved 2-0 win.