Themba Zwane, pictured in action in South Africa’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Uganda in Johannesburg FILE - Themba Zwane, pictured in action in South Africa’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Uganda in Johannesburg, was once again key in Tuesday’s match against South Sudan. Photo: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers
Following Bafana Bafana’s hard-fought 3-2 win over South Sudan in Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Tuesday, IOL Sport takes a closer look at the four stand-out moments from the thrilling encounter.
Coach Hugo Broos, once again opted for the pairing of Siyabonga Ngenzana and Rushwin Dortley after they also started in Bafana’s 2-2 draw against Uganda last Friday.
However, this time around, the two struggled to deal with the pace of South Sudan, often finding themselves facing their own goal.
Ngezane fouled Tito Okello in the 14th minute of the game, which led to the “Bright Starts” being awarded a penalty. He could count himself lucky to only escape with a yellow card as he prevented what appeared to be an obvious goal scoring opportunity.
THALENTE MBATHA SCORES IN THE LAST MINUTES OF THE GAME AND WINS THE GAME FOR SOUTH AFRICA !!!! ITS HIM AGAIN !!!!
— Janty (@CFC_Janty) September 10, 2024
South Sudan 2-3 South Africa 🇿![CDATA[]]>🇦
pic.twitter.com/jUTaAZR6Jd
The 24-year-old Mbatha was again the hero for Bafana after he unleashed a ground shot outside the box which found the back of the net in injury time to propel South Africa to their first win of the qualifiers.
Mbatha’s attacking and defensive abilities set him out from the rest and after his performances in the last two qualifiers, a case could be made that he cemented his place in the national team.
The referee made some questionable calls during the 90 minutes. He awarded South Sudan a penalty in the first half despite the foul appearing to have been committed outside the box.
He also failed to give Ngezana his marching orders after he prevented what was an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.
The referee also denied Bafana what appeared to penalty around the 43rd minute mark, after a South Sudan player appeared to handle the ball inside the box.
Bafana Bafana did not play their usual free flowing game in the two Afcon qualifies and struggled to convert their chances.
The rustiness from some of the players was evident as the Betway Premiership is yet to resume in South Africa.
IOL Sport