Bafana fail to find the net

It was a familiar tale for Bafana Bafana in Belgium yesterday, as a host of missed opportunities meant they could only manage a goalless draw with Guinea in an international friendly at the Guldensporen Stadium in Kortrijk.

There were positives for head coach Hugo Broos (above) ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in June, with Mamelodi Sundowns right back Khuliso Mudau shining on a fine debut, while Thabang Monate justified his selection in the centre of midfield and Keagan Dolly was a constant creative livewire.

Bafana’s failure to take clear chances, however, has to be a concern for Broos, with Lyle Foster the main culprit yesterday, missing three excellent first half chances, though Dolly, Evidence Makgopa, Monare and another debutant, Bandile Shandu, were also culpable.

Guinea were guilty of conceding possession in some dangerous areas, though Bafana also pressed well, and Monare, Mvala’s partner in central midfield, won the ball high up the pitch, but he dragged his shot wide.

Another error from the Guinea defence in the 11th minute let in Foster but his shot was blocked by Guinea goalkeeper Ibrahim Kone.

That was the first of three glaring misses from the Westerlo striker in the first half, as Foster fired wide from a fine cut back from the excellent Mudau, and then failed to make proper contact on a free header from a Dolly cross.

Broos brought on Ethan Brooks to replace Mvala at the break while in the centre of defence, Rushine De Reuck came on for Nkosinathi Sibisi.

The second half started in a more sedate fashion, but in the 58th minute, Makhopa broke clear again, his fierce shot too close to the Guinea keeper, who parried away, while Dolly’s effort was blocked for a corner.

Bafana continued to defend well, as they did in the World Cup qualifiers last year, making some good clearances as Guinea mounted a late surge.