Bafana Bafana eased their way into the next round of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers defeating Angola 1-0 in the second leg for an emphatic 4-1 aggregate win.
Bafana Bafana eased their way into the next round of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers defeating Angola 1-0 in the second leg for an emphatic 4-1 aggregate win.
In a match played in windy Durban conditions at the majestic Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesday evening, an own goal midway through the second half by Angola’s Manucho was the difference of the night as Shakes Mashaba’s side completed a double over Angola. South Africa beat Angola 3-1 in the first leg on Friday in Benguela.
It was again the visitors who had the first shot at goal in the opening minutes, a reminiscent of the first leg when Angola scored with their very first touch.
On the fifth minute, Angola again threatened with a header but the effort went harmlessly over the bar.
Bafana Bafana only earned their first corner kick on the 7th minute but despite a fumble from the Angolan keeper, nothing came off it.
Angola then almost opened the scoring in the 13th minute following a corner kick which goalkeeper and captain Jackson Mabokgwane fumbled but the visitors failed to capitalise.
With Bafana Bafana failing to create clear openings, it was the Angolans who fashioned a few openings and had by far a greater number of shots at goal as the match went to half-time deadlocked at 0-0.
Angola then hit the upright after the entire Bafana Bafana defence was left for the dead on the 56th minute as the visitors tried to spoil the party in Durban.
Sensing danger, coach Mashaba made a double substitution, bringing in Thulani Serero and Sibusiso Vilakazi and the move paid handsome dividends.
Serero earned the corner and from the resultant corner kick, Mandla Masango who had a good game sent in a deep free kick that was headed goalwards by Thulani Hlatshwayo and in a desperate effort to clear, Manucho helped the ball past his own goalkeeper.
It was the killer goal the home side were searching for and after that it was almost one way traffic as the home side searched for second goal. Bongani Zungu saw his piledrive soon after well saved by the Angolan keeper as Bafana Bafana started to put on the show.
Not a vintage performance by Bafana Bafana but a professional show which saw them come off the two legs with a good overall win.
SA 11 vs Angola: Jackson Mabokgwane (GK) (c), Thulani Hlatshwayo, Thabo Matlaba, Erick Mathoho, Rivaldo Coetzee, Mpho Makola, Mandla Masango, Dean Furman, Bongani Zungu, Thamsanqa Gabuza, Tokelo Rantie
Subs: Rowan Williams, Wayne Sandilands, Siyanbonga Nhlapo, Clayton Daniels, Lehlohonolo Nonyane, Kamohelo Mokotjo, Phumlani Ntshangase, Themba Zwane, Thulani Serero, George Lebese, Dino Ndlovu, Sibusiso Vilakazi