Bafana Bafana got their first win in Group A at the COSAFA Cup after defeating ten-man Bostwana 2-1 on Saturday afternoon.
Bonginkosi Makume, Rowan Human, Iqraam Rayners and Tshegofatso Mabasa were drafted in the line-up for the host following their 1-1 draw against Namibia on Wednesday.
The home team worked the first threat on five minutes when Katlego Mohamme headed beyond the near post from a supply to the back-post following a dead-ball situation.
However, the Zebras enjoyed momentum minutes later and had a floating ball bounced uncomfortably in Bafana’s defence before Mohamme managed to court the potential danger.
Bafana, though, could’ve gone ahead at the midway stage after Rayners pulled wide and drew a cutback to place a low curler but it was parried behind for a corner-kick.
There were another chance for the host over five minutes before halftime when pressure-play from Rayners ensured a loose ball which Mabasa slotted over with the goal at his mercy.
Bafana continued to have the majority of chances after the conclusion of the interval though were unable to get a quick breakthrough.
Coach Morena Ramoreboli hauled in a double substitution a little to 12 minutes from the break, as Lesedi Kapinga replaced Thabo Cele and had Mabasa vacate for Victor Letsoalo.
The Zebras, however, were ahead in the 63rd minute when Thatayaone Kgamanyane got hold of possession in a promising area and bundled past Jethren Barr.
Although, the lead was short-lived as a penalty saw Botswana reduced to ten players after Tebogo Kopelang's foul on Letsoalo, before Rayners lined-up and tucked in the penalty.
Bafana then seized control of proceedings three minutes later following a well-taken finish by Royal AM defender-cum-winger Shaune Mogaila.
The Zebras looked to draw level during the closing exchanges, but the host nation managed to preserve their strong-hold to claim their first win in Group A.
Confirmed line-ups:
South Africa: Barr, Makume, Mohamme, Sikhakhane, Mogaila, Cele, Human, Mthethwa, Lakay, Rayners, Mabasa.
Botswana: Malepela, Tlhalefang, Kgamanyane, Skweyiya, Legopelo, Velaphi, Modingwane, Mabaya, Ditsele, Kopelang, Mangolo
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