Bafana Bafana registered their first win of the COSAFA Cup group stages with a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over ten-man Botswana.
COSAFA Cup
Result: South Africa 2-1 Botswana
Date: 08 July 2023
Venue: King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium
Coach Morena Ramoreboli brought in Bonginkosi Makume for Keagan Allan as South Africa reverted to three central defenders on the pitch, while Rowan Human replaced Lesedi Kapinga in the attack.
The hosts had the first real chance on five minutes when Katlego Mohamme got on the end of a free-kick at the far post, but the defender sent his header wide of the upright.
Ramoreboli's troops had to wait until the 24th minute for their next opening as a swift counter-attack ended with Iqraam Rayners forcing a superb save out of Botswana goalkeeper Lesenya Malapela.
Botswana, meanwhile, struggled to get the ball off the home side in the first half which forced them to look for opportunities on the encounter, although Bafana's three-man defensive were alert to the danger.
Bafana shot-stopper Jethren Barr was called upon shortly after the halftime break, keeping out a powerful strike from distance as Botswana looked to catch Bafana napping.
Coach Ramoreboli opted for a double Bafana change just before the hour mark, as Victor Letsoalo and Lesedi Kapinga replaced Tshegofatso Mabasa and Thabo Cele.
While Bafana continued to dominate, Botswana grabbed the lead against the run of play when former Chippa United forward Thatayaone Kgamanyane latched onto a ball over the top before firing into the far corner.
However, Bafana were given a lifeline two minutes later after being awarded a penalty after Letsoalo was brought down by Tebogo Kopelang, who was also sent off for the challenge. Rayners stepped up and slotted home to level matters.
It was two goals in two minutes for Bafana as they took lead in the 67th minute when a loose ball fell into the path of Shaune Mogaila, who rifled the ball beyond Malapela from the edge of the box.
The South Africans did have a couple more chances to extend their lead in the latter stages of the half, but they were unable to find the back of the net as the two goals were enough to seal the win.
Here's how they lined up:
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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