Zwane masterclass sinks Namibia

A masterclass from Themba Zwane helped Bafana Bafana bounce right back into Africa Cup of Nations contention yesterday, with a resounding 4-0 Group E win over southern African neighbours Namibia.

The 34 year-old Mshishi produced two superb finishes at the Stade Amadou Gon Coulibaly in Korhogo to add to a Percy Tau penalty, while substitute Thapelo Maseko put the icing on the cake in the second half.

This was South Africa’s biggest ever win at an Africa Cup of Nations finals, and Hugo Broos’ side will take on Tunisia on Wednesday knowing that another win will guarantee them a place in the last-16, while even a draw could well be enough.

Broos made two changes from the opening 2-0 loss to Mali, Siyanda Xulu paying for an uncomfortable display against the Eagles, losing his place in the side to Grant Kekana.

Thapelo Morena, meanwhile, was preferred to his Sundowns teammate Thapelo Maseko, making it eight Masandawana players in total in the starting line-up.

Namibia, fresh from stunning Tunisia 1-0 in their opening Group E match, fell behind in the 12th minute to a slightly controversial penalty.

Morena’s cross struck the arm of AmaZulu’s Riaan Hanamub, and after consulting VAR, Algerian referee Youcef Gamouh pointed to the spot, though the Namibian’s arm hardly looked to be in an unnatural position.

Tau had blazed over a penalty in the first half against Mali, but showed courage to step up again here and drill a composed shot past Lloyd Kazapua.

Namibia pushed immediately in search of an equaliser and in the 21st minute, Absalom Iimbondi somehow put Deon Hotto’s cross over the bar from point blank range, before a Hanamub cross flew right across the face of the Bafana goal.

In the 28th minute, however, Bafana doubled their lead, and again Morena played a key role down the right flank. It was a goal truly made by Sundowns as Kekana released Morena with a fine pass, and his cutback was slammed into the net by Zwane.

Evidence Makgopa had a shot blocked and Sphephelo Sithole headed down and over the bar from a corner, when it looked easier to score, but it didn’t take long for Bafana to add a third.

In the 38th minute, a good lay off from Makgopa found Zwane, and he skipped into the penalty area for a brilliant finish.

Bafana added gloss to the scoreline in the 75th minute, as Maseko raced clear of the Namibia defence and tucked a low finish under the body of Kazapua.