Mpho Makola scored a quality goal as Bafana Bafana atoned for the AFCON qualifier disappointment against Mauritania at the weekend to win the Nelson Mandela Challenge at a vibrant Orlando Stadium on Tuesday night.

Mpho Makola scored a quality goal as Bafana Bafana atoned for the AFCON qualifier disappointment against Mauritania at the weekend to win the Nelson Mandela Challenge at a vibrant Orlando Stadium on Tuesday night.

The Orlando Pirates in-form striker hit the back of the net in 78th minute to break the deadlock.

The home side were full value of their win and with a bit of luck could have scored a hatful of goals but spurned some good chances.

Exhibiting an attacking brand of football, the home side were swashbuckling and showed what they can do when their backs are against the wall.

Having made seven changes to the team that lost 3-1 to Mauritania, the home team started with lots of verve but it was the visitors that earned the first corner kick.

For most of the opening minutes, the game got bogged down in the middle of the pitch with very little opening from the two sides.

Bafana Bafana earned their first corner in the 17th minute but Senegal easily cleared the danger.

Captain Itumeleng Khune was marshalling his defence with aplomb whenever the West Africans threatened.

As the home team looked the more purposeful side, they were awarded a free kick just outside the box but Mpho Makola’s deft attempt went narrowly wide.

Moments later Khune produced a one-handed save to deny Sakho an opening and from the resultant corner Senegal saw their attempt going narrowly wide.

Coach Shakes Mashaba then pulled off ineffective Daylon Claasen for Jabulani Shongwe in an attempt to add bite upfront.

Thamsanqa Gabuza then hit the upright in the 43rd minute as the home team chased the crucial opening goal.

At the stroke of half-time, Gabuza’s well taken shot was well saved by the Senegalese keeper who was definitely the busier of the two.

Soon after resumption, Andile Jali’s shot was turned for a corner by Khadim Ndiaye and from the resultant corner kick Senegal defence cleared the danger again as the match remained in a stalemate.

Wave after wave of attack then saw Sibusiso Vilakazi attempting a snap shot but again Senegalese keeper stood his ground.

Moments later Vilakazi missed an empty net after he had rounded off the entire Senegal defence including the keeper but shot wide in what was probably the miss of the day. He was immediately substituted and his position taken over by Thulani Serero.

Makola then attempted another long range shot but the shot went over the bar. But he was never going to be denied as he then broke the ice on the 78th minute with a goal of high quality which gave the Senegal keeper no chance.

Senegal could have equalised three minutes later but Khune produced another blinder.

On the 86th minute, Khune again came to the rescue of the home side. Senegal then sent a powerful shot wide as the referee added six minutes of injury time.

Makola could have completed his double but his injury time effort was cleared off the line.

SA 11: Itumeleng Khune (GK) (c), Anele Ngcongca, Clayton Daniels, Siyabonga Nhlapho, Bongani Zungu, Mzikayise Mashaba, Mpho Makola, Daylon Claasen, Andile Jali, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Thamsanqa Gabuza.

Subs: Jackson Mabokgwane (GK), Ronwen Williams (GK), Dean Furman, Thulani Serero, Mandla Masango, Jabulani Shongwe, Phumlani Ntshangase, Themba Zwane, Siyabonga Zulu, Tokelo Rantie

Senegal 11: Khadim Ndiaye, Mbaye Diagne, Kara Mbodji, Papa Ndiaye, Issa Cissokho, Stephane Badji, Cheikh Mbengue, Zargo Toure, Sadio Mane, Moussa Konate, Diafra Sakho