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Bafana Bafana played to a one-all draw (1-1) against Namibia in a friendly international at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. The match was played on Wednesday (03 March) as part of the celebrations for the 100 days left to the World Cup kick off.

The World Cup starts on June 11 with South Africa playing against Mexico in the opening clash.

Bafana Bafana started on a wrong footing when they went a goal down just before the break, Rudolf Bester finding the back of the net for the visitors.

But South Africa’s prolific goal scorer Katlego Mphela, equalised twenty minutes before the final whistle.

“Even though I am happy with the proceedings in the first half, I am not happy that we did not win. We created a lot of chances but could not find the net. We were not patient enough in keeping the ball, we rushed things through, and in fact the only time we kept the ball on the ground we scored. But such things are practiced so it will take time. But the truth is the fair result should have been a win for us, but it’s a lesson,” said Bafana Bafana head coach Carlos Parreira.

In the second half Parreira made five changes to have a look at more players.

Lebohang Mokoena was replaced by Tlou Segolela, Anele Ngcongca made way for Bryce Moon, and Lucas Thwala took the place of Bradley Carnell. Reneilwe Letsholonyane and Daine Klate were introduced for Lance Davids and Siphiwe Tshabalala respectively.

Once again Bafana Bafana enjoyed a good crowd in Durban. The 32-thousand tickets on sale were all sold out hours before the match.

“We were very impressed by the turnout, not only today but also in the match against Zimbabwe in January. Such a crowd is good in that it gives the players some World Cup feeling, and that is why we want to play our final preparation match in May on home soil so that when our players step onto the field in the opening game on the 11th of June they don’t get intimidated by Soccer City. 90-thousand people there and the whole world watching on television can be very intimidating to anyone, but this is part of the process, it’s important to feel the pressure, to feel the heat before the game against Mexico,” said the coach.

On Thursday Bafana Bafana will announce the squad that will travel to Brazil for a month-long training camp.

South Africa: Itumeleng Khune – Anele Ngcongca (Bryce Moon 60’), Siyabonga Sangweni, Bevan Fransman, Bradley Carnell (Lucas Thwala 60’); Teko Modise, Lance Davids (Reneilwe Letsholonyane 46’), Thanduyise Khuboni, Siphiwe Tshabalala (Daine Klate 60’); Lebohang Mokoena (Tlou Segolela 46’), Katlego Mphela

Namibia: Mbaha - Toromba, Gariseb, O. Risser, Geingob; Tjikuzu (Isaacks 74’), Jacobs, Karongee, Plaatjies (Shipanga 78’); W. Risser (Pienaar 90'), Bester (Louw 87’)