Bafana Bafana, Warriors share spoils in opening WC qualifier

BAFANA Bafana kick-started their 2022 Qatar FIFA World Cup qualification campaign with a goalless draw against Group G opponents Zimbabwe in Harare yesterday.

Apart from hosting and playing at the 2010 tournament, the men's senior national team are attempting to qualify for the global showpiece for the first time since the 2002 edition.

On Thursday, a young 23-man South Africa squad arrived in Harare with the nations World Cup hopes on their shoulders.

New head coach Hugo Broos, who was in the dugout in his first-ever match in charge, would have known that the intense game could have seen either side end up with three points.

Broos' charges came out with much intent in the opening minutes at the Zimbabwe National Sports Stadium, probing the home side.

Bafana had much possession at the start, but simple crossing and passing in the final third of the pitch evaded the visiting side.

The home side eventually came alive as they pressed a tired-looking Bafana Bafana, who held a nearly 65 percent possession.

The Zimbabwean press was effective and put Bafana on the back foot as the Warriors got to see more on the ball.

In the dying minutes of the encounter, Zimbabwe further held their ground defensively as it seemed they were content with a stalemate as the final whistle sounded after stoppage time.

South Africa are next in action against the Black Stars on Monday while the Warriors travel to Ethiopia for their match on Tuesday. – SPORT24.