Bafana takes a bow from AFCON
By Mohau Ramashidja
South Africa’s 1-0 lead against Mali in the first half was certainly not enough to get the Bafana squad into the AFCON semis. “We should have scored an avalanche of goals against Mali,” said minister of sports Fikile Mbalula.
The 3-1 end result against South Africa came into form after Mali’s Captain Keita scored a comeback with a header in the 58th minute. However this was not the case in the first half. The Eagles found themselves doing most of the defending while the Bafana squad surged forward in search for goals. Unable to keep up with the fast pace of football the South African squad displayed, it was Mali’s defenders Tamboura and Susoku who frustrated the Bafana’s attacking force.
But that was not enough to wither SA’s desire for a goal. After making a brilliant save, it was Itumeleng Khune who triggered a counter attack on Mali by releasing an impeccable pass to the midfield. Determined to make most of the opportunity, SA launch what looked like a ‘pyramid’ form of attack on Mali to outclass defence.
The trio consisted of May Mahlangu as the pinnacle distributor, Thuso Phala as the cross messenger and of cause Striker Rantie as the gifted assassin. Being aware of what was at stake, panic got in the better of the Eagles in the 30th minute, resulting to inaccurate passes made and a scoring chance flying over the woodwork. Approaching the dying ends of the first half Mali showed heart for goal but it was the ever impressing Dean ‘Mlungu’ Firman who turned their attempts to nought.
In the second half Mali adapted to SA’s style of football and showed resilience and willingness to win the match. However that did not happen in record time as the Bafana squad was reciprocal in every attempt made for a goal. Forced into extra time, the score lines remained stagnant resulting into penalties.
All it took was three flawless saves and three well taken penalties by Diabude, Tombura and Traore for Mali to join Ghana in the Semi finals.
