How Bafana’s players rated
Bafana Bafana got a morale-boosting 3-1 win over Guinea-Bissau on Saturday at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. Jonty Mark runs the rule over each player’s performance.
Itumeleng Khune 7
Khune was a typically assured presence in goal for Bafana, rushing off his line to stop the dangerous Toni Silva in his tracks early on, and also tipping away a dangerous late cross-shot from Aldair. Ramahlwe Mphahlele 5
Mphahlele was troubled defensively by Guinea-Bissau, and was caught off-guard as Aldair sneaked in to score in the second half. Going forward, he was more assured, but his crossing also left a little to be desired. Thulani Hlatshwayo 6
Hlatshwayo was assured in the air against a powerful Guinea-Bissau side, and was the more composed of Bafana’s two central defenders on the ground too, though he was also culpable for the Guinea-Bissau goal. Eric Mathoho 5
This has to be one of Mathoho’s clumsier performances in a Bafana shirt. His gangly frame usually belies a classy touch, but too often the Kaizer Chiefs defender was guilty of hacking the ball clear or being caught flat-footed by the Wild Dogs’ speedy attack. Tebogo Langerman 4
Langerman was exposed defensively twice in the opening few minutes as Toni Silva ran in behind the Bafana defence, and only alert goalkeeping from Khune helped keep out the danger. It was also from his flank that Silva had time to get in a cross for the Guinea-Bissau goal. Keagan Dolly 7
Dolly (pictured) was a bundle of energy and behind most of Bafana Bafana’s enterprising attacks during this game, his combinations with Thulani Serero were particularly impressive. It was Dolly’s pass that released Serero to win the penalty for Bafana’s opener and his pass also set up Percy Tau for Bafana’s second. Kamohelo Mokotjo 8
Phakaaathi’s Man of the Match. How has this man not played more for Bafana? Mokotjo showed off an exceptional passing range against Guinea-Bissau, and pulled off a couple of lovely flicks round the corner to boot. The 24 year-old gave the ball away on barely more than one or two occasions as he ran the game at times from midfield. Dean Furman 7
Furman grew into the match, defending resolutely in front of his back four. He gave possession away a little carelessly a few times early on, but soon got his radar back on track and was a typically endless bundle of energy, winning the ball back eagerly for his country. Themba Zwane 6
Zwane had some nice touches in the game, including a good pass for Mphahlele early on, and he was unlucky to see a shot blocked just after the half hour mark. He faded a little, however, and was the first man subsitituted, for Andile Jali in the 59th minute. Thulani Serero 6
SHOOT! This was the main sentiment one felt towards Serero as he got into good positions in the Guinea-Bissau penalty area, only to attempt to find a team-mate instead of challenging the goalkeeper. He was an excellent link in attack but also produced one blind backheel pass too many. Kermit Erasmus 6
Erasmus took his penalty well but was otherwise a bit anonymous – Percy Tau’s movement was noticeably better when he came on. Still, he can be happy enough with his second goal for his country. Andile Jali 6
Came on for Zwane in the 59th minute and looked a little off the pace. Got injured very late in the game and it remains to be seen if he is fit to face Angola. Percy Tau 8
Came on for Erasmus in the 66th minute and almost immediately got booked, but then he scored a quite superb goal from an acute angle to put Bafana 2-0 up. He blasted another effort well over, but his willingness to try his luck was in stark contrast to the rest of the Bafana team. Lebo Manyama 6
Came on for Mokotjo in the 66th minute and couldn’t quite get into his stride, though he was involved in the build-up to Tau’s goal. Will hopefully get another chance against Angola. Hlompho Kekana
On in the 81st minute for Serero. Not on long enough to be rated Thabo Mnyamane
On in the 81st minute for Dolly. Not on long enough to be rated. Tiyani Mabunda
On in stoppage time for the injured Jali. Not on long enough to be rated.