Bafana Bafana sealed their spot in the semi-finals of the COSAFA Cup with a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Eswatini on Tuesday evening.
Bafana surprisingly named Saturday's winner Shaune Mogail on the bench, as Lesedi Kapinga, Victor Letsoalo, and Keagan Allan were restored to the line-up.
With a lot to play for in the quest to qualify for the semi-finals, the two teams were very conservative during the opening stages where not too many chances appeared.
It remained evenly poised around the half-hour mark despite the host having much of the play through Iqraam Rayners dropping deep and linking up play with Letsoalo and Kapinga.
Eswatini were keen to have a go at the host nation with a few balls in around the defence, but weren’t able to get the ultimate breakthrough to find the net as the likes of Philani Mkhontfo and Bongwa Matsebula passed up a couple golden chances.
In the end, as the battle between the two in regards to finding target proved difficult and the first half ended goalless.
The visiting nation managed to get in-behind and hit the breakthrough five minutes from the break as Bongwa Owa Matsebula’s finish gave Jethren Barr no chance.
Coach Morena Ramoreboli made a triple change at the midway point in Mogaila for Thabo Cele before Tebogo Tlolane filled in for Rowan Human and Tshegofatso Mabasa replaced Letsoalo.
The arrivals paid dividends as the host pulled level inside the last ten minutes when Mabasa pounced on poor defending by Sihlangu Semnikati and bulged the net.
Mabasa was at it again with two minutes to go as he collected a forward delivery from Rayners and found the intended target to complete his brace.
Bafana were in no danger of surrendering their lead but managed to get matters under firm control for the win and a semi-final spot.
Confirmed line-ups:
South Africa: Barr, Sikhakhane, Allan, Mohamme, Mthethwa, Human, Lakay, Cele, Letsoalo, Kaping, Rayners
Eswatini: Mathebela, Msibi, Mamba, Silenge, Thwala, Mabelesa, Matse, Dlamini, T. Mkhonto, Bongwa, M.Mkhonto.
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