Online Reporter
BAFANA Bafana blew a 3-1 lead against Uganda in their final African Nations Championship Group C assignment on Monday night to record a drama-filled 3-3 draw with the Cranes at the Mandela National Stadium.
While South Africa stared qualification to the knock-out round in the eye, two late penalties by the host nation crushed Bafana Bafana’s hopes of winning the tournament altogether.
The game commenced at a slow pace at the Mandela National Stadium, while South Africa edged their opponents to the ball possession count slightly. Neither side created any clear goal scoring opportunities with around 12 minutes on the clock.
Uganda came close to scoring in the 14th minute after left-back Herbert Achayi struck the upright after making way up the pitch. With Achayi’s shot wowing the Crane’s fans, Uganda kept pushing for an opener.
The Cranes took the lead moments after the half-hour mark as Jude Ssemugabi added his name to the scoreboard.
After a free-kick scenario in their own half, Uganda swiftly turned defence into attack while Ssemugabi capped off a well-worked counter.
Uganda managed to preserve their lead at the break, however, South Africa were first to pounce after the restart.
Bafana Bafana managed to level the score in the 52nd minute with Ramahlwe Mphahlele on hand to guide home a loose ball inside the box following a free-kick on the right-hand side of the box.
While the VAR spotted a possible infringement, the goal stood in favour of Molefi Ntseki’s men.
Then, just six minutes later, Thabiso Kutumela nudged South Africa into the lead as he continued his goal scoring form at the show-piece.
Set-pieces appeared to be South Africa’s bread and butter during the early minutes of the second-half, after the attacker latched onto a well-weighted throw-in toward the 18-yard-area.
With the ball in his stride, Kutumela made no mistake with an accurate finish from a tight angle.
South Africa added a third in the 83rd minute, with a classy lob, by Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo following a rapid counter-attacking move. — SuperSport.
