Bafana Bafana represented by the u23 squad are through to the finals of the 2016 Edition of the COSAFA Castle Cup following a 5-1 thrashing of Swaziland.
South Africa…… 5 (Kutumela 51’; Phiri 56’; Masuku 59’; 83’; Moseamedi 75’)
Swaziland……….1 (Tsabedze 38’)
Bafana Bafana represented by the u23 squad are through to the finals of the 2016 Edition of the COSAFA Castle Cup following a 5-1 thrashing of Swaziland.
South Africa attacked from the first whistle of the match and although they failed to convert the many chances they created in the first half, they literally put Swaziland to sword in the last 45 minutes of the second half.
Swaziland’s Felix Badenhorst had a chance to open the scoring of the day with a powerful shot but goalkeeper Reyaad Pieterse made a great save.
Captain Coetzee made an error in the 38th minute when he should have cleared a ball and the ball fell for Tony Tsabedze who slotted the ball past the legs of Pieterse to open the scoreline for Sihlangu of Swaziland.
Jody February was brought into the second half after Pieterse had suffered a back problem while Menzi Masuku came on for Thembela Sikhakhane.
Bafana Bafana were quick to regroup following the substitutions and won a free kick in the 58th minute after Siyabonga Mdluli received his marching orders from the referee.
Thabiso Kutumela welcomed the challenge and scored a beautiful free kick to get the much needed equalizer for South Africa.
Lebogang Phiri gave South Africa a two-goal cushion in the 56th minute after great combination of play.
In the 59th minute Menzi Masuku converted a great goal from a corner kick, giving Mashaba’s boys further advantage.
Judas Moseamedi added the fourth goal on the 75th minute before Masuku completed his brace on the 83rd minute giving this youthful Bafana Bafana side a 5-1 win over Swaziland.
Bafana Bafana will play the winner of the second semi-final featuring Botswana and Democratic Republic of Congo on Saturday, 25 June 2016 at Sam Nujoma Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 19h30
South Africa starting XI:
Reyaad Pieterse (GK), Tebogo Moerane; Thembele Sikhakhane; Rivaldo Coetzee (c), Tercious Malepe, Abbubaker Mobara, Deolin Mekoa; Lebogang Phiri; Aubrey Modiba, Judas Moseomedi; Thabiso Kutumela
South African subs:
Jody February (GK), Nkosingiphile Gumede (GK); Tshepo Rikhotso; Siphesihle Stuurman; Menzi Masuku; Thembinkosi Lorch
Swaziland starting XI:
Sandile Ginindza; Sifiso Mabila; Siyabonga Mdluli; Felix Badenhorst; Sibonginkosi Gamendze; Sabelo Ndzinisa; Mcolisi Kukhele; Machawe Dlamini; Njabulo Ndlovu; Tony Tsabedze; Wonder Hleko
Swaziland subs:
Nhlanhla Gwebu; Muzi Dlmini; Sikhumbuzo Ntimane; Sanele Mkhweli; Banele Sikhondze; Phiwayinkosi Dlamini; Zweli Nxumalo; Phumlane Dlamini; Mandla Palma