Bafana Bafana bowed out of the COSAFA Cup after losing 2-1 to Zambia in the semi-finals on Friday evening.
COSAFA Cup
Result: South Africa 1-2 Zambia
Date: 14 July 2023
Venue: King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium
Coach Morena Ramoreboli decided to make a change in goal as Olwethu Mzimela was given the nod ahead of Jethren Barr, while Tshegofatso Mabasa earned a starting berth after scoring twice against Eswatini on Tuesday.
The Zambians made the intensions clear early on as they enjoyed most of the possession, while Mzimela was called upon to keep out a powerful strike from Albert Kangwanda in the opening 15 minutes.
Bafana started seeing more of the ball after the midway point and looked to utilise the pace of Iqraam Rayners to stretch the Zambian defence, although they were unable to find any clear openings.
The game seemed destined to go into the break scoreless, but that all changed three minutes before the break when Mabasa bagged his third goal of the tournament with a powerful finish after Lesedi Kapinga's initial strike was saved.
However, Zambia weren't behind for too long as the scores were level four minutes of the break courtesy of a strike from Golden Mashata, who took his tally to two goals in the competition.
Coach Ramoreboli responded with a double change for the home side on the hour mark as Lesedi Kapinga and Shaune Mogalia made way for Rowen Human and Victor Letsoalo to freshen up the attack.
However, the Zambians went on to get the next goal as Kangwanda found the back of the net in the 69th minute with a powerful free-kick that sailed into the top corner, although Mzimela could have done better on his side.
The South Africans threw bodies forward in search of an equaliser in the latter stages of the half but they were let constantly let down by their final ball.
Unlike Bafana's last two wins, there would no comeback this time around as Zambia held on to secure their spot in the final, where they will face Lesotho, while South Africa will face Malawi in the third and fourth play-off on Sunday.
Here's how they lined up:
South Africa: Mzimela, Sikhakhane, Allan, Mohamme, Lakay, Mthethwa, Cele, Mogaila, Rayners, Mabasa, Kapinga
Subs: Barr, Dithejane, Makume, Mogaila, Human, Tlolane, Kobedi, Sebetlela, May, Mini, Letsoalo, Palace, Gumede
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
