SA turn on energy, style to beat Senegal
SA turn on energy, style to beat Senegal in friendly encounter
THIS was far more like it – just a pity it came in an international friendly. Bafana Bafana turned on the energy and style to earn a first-ever victory over Senegal, 1-0, in last night’s Nelson Mandela Challenge at the Orlando Stadium.
Debutant Mpho Makola had a few chances to get his sights set on target with four earlier shots from range, then finally produced the gem to reward a small but vocal crowd in the 89th minute.
After a roundly criticised, disjointed 3-1 defeat against robust Mauritania on a hot artificial surface in Nouakchott on Saturday, Bafana clearly enjoyed their return to a brisk Johannesburg evening on a lush, green surface in front of their home fans.
Senegal were missing Newcastle star Papiss Cisse, but brought a strong squad, their starting lineup including West Ham defender Diafra Sakho, young Southampton striking prospect Sadio Mane and Genoa right-back Issa Cissokho.
Bafana were the more motivated side, seeking redemption at home.
They created almost all the chances, though Senegal finished strongly after conceding.
SA goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune almost redeemed himself for his early howler in Mauritania by keeping his side in the game with match-winning late saves.
The Lions of Teranga arrived from a solid 2-0 victory against Namibia in Windhoek on Saturday, but were strangely flat given such a forgiving travel schedule.
They never seemed entirely up for this game, though when Senegal turned it on in spurts, they looked the classier side on the ball.
But on a soft, lush home surface, Bafana moved the ball in the style more characteristic of the South Africans than their stodgy showing in Saturday’s gritty qualifier.
They showed greater purpose and movement in attack, and were rewarded with a deserved victory.
Under-fire Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba’s squad had withdrawals from the hiatus in Mauritania.
Centre-backs Rivaldo Coetzee and Mulomowandau Mathoho picked up injuries. Left-back Siyabonga Zulu was suspended due to his red card. Ayanda Patosi was excused.
In seven changes, Clayton Daniels, Siyabonga Nhlapo and Mzikayise Mashaba came into the defence. Makola, Bongani Zungu and Daylon Claasen came into the midfield. Sibusiso Vilakazi replaced Tokelo Rantie at striker.
Bafana (72nd in the world) had not beaten 38th-ranked Senegal in six previous encounters.
SA easily took control of the first half, though at times the lack of a final pass saw the Bafana players shoot from range, as Makola came close with a free kick.
Senegal’s only real chance also came from a free kick, curled wickedly by Sakho at the top-right corner, with Khune stopping.
Bafana did manage a killer pass before half time. Vilakazi found space down the left channel and deftly played Thamsanqa Gabuza in, the Orlando Pirates man blasting onto the crossbar.
Gabuza then forced a save from keeper Khadim Ndiaye with a curler.
Vilakazi directed a close-range shot straight at Ndiaye’s 53rd-minute replacement, Lys Gomis, giving the new keeper a confidence-building first touch.
Makola finally found his range with a sweetly-hit 26m strike past Gomis.