Bafana claim key World Cup qualifying win in Ethiopia

Bahir Dar — South Africa claimed a key win in Group G of the 2022 World Cup Qualifiers, defeating hosts Ethiopia 3-1 at the Bahir Dar Stadium yesterday afternoon to strengthen their grip at the top of Group G.

Bafana lead the group on seven points at the halfway mark of the first round of the qualifying campaign for Qatar.

Fasil Gebremikael spilled Teboho Mokoena’s free-kick in firsthalf stoppage time to give the visitors the lead at the break in Bahir Dar.

Getaneh Kebede levelled for Ethiopia midway through the second period with a fine free-kick, but Mothobi Mvala put South Africa back in front from a long throw with 19 minutes remaining.

Evidence Makgopa lobbed the keeper to make the game safe for the visitors in the 91st minute after coming off the bench.

Hugo Broos’ side, who failed to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, host Ethiopia again on Tuesday while Ghana travel to Harare.

Only the 10 group winners progress to next March’s play-offs to decide the continent’s five representatives in Qatar.

Elsewhere, Guinea’s hopes of progressing to the play-offs took another blow as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Sudan.

In a match played in Agadir, Morocco, following the coup in Guinea last month, Jose Kante put Syli National ahead with a fierce leftfooted strike three minutes into the second half.

Substitute Ahmed Hamid equalised for the Sudanese on 64 mins, but Guinea restored their lead three minutes later when Mohamed Bayo slotted in from a oneon-one.

But defender Amir Kamal headed in a free-kick to net a second equaliser for Sudan with two minutes left, to secure a second draw between the sides in the space of four days.

Sudan have two points in Group I while Guinea are on three points, three points behind leaders Morocco.

The Atlas Lions face Guinea-Bissau, who they beat 5-0 on Wednesday, at 19:00 GMT in Casablanca.

In Group H, Togo and Congo drew 1-1 to leave both countries without a win after three matches and facing elimination.

An own goal by Alaixys Romao gave Congo the lead at the break in Lome, but Euloge Placca Fessou equalised 11 minutes after the restart.

Congo goalkeeper Christoffer Mafoumbi was sent off late on, but the visitors held on for a point.

Later on Saturday, group leaders Senegal face Namibia.