Burkina Faso…….1
South Africa……..1
Bafana Bafana were denied a famous win here in Ouagadougou when they conceded a late equaliser in the opening Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Having taken an 80th minute lead through industrious midfielder Dean Furman, South Africa were looking full value for an away win but with home fans trudging away from the stadium in frustration, substitute Diawarra bundled home during a goalmouth melee to give the home side a 1-1 draw.
The visitors had survived some incessant pressure from the home side including some questionable home town decisions from the Moroccan referee who awarded the hosts two questionable penalty kicks.
But as fate would have it, both spot kicks yielded nothing.
The match started at a frantic pace despite the scorching heat experienced at this time of the year in the Burkina Faso capital of Quagadougou.
In the very opening minutes, a mobile Mpho Makola saw his effort well saved by Herve Koffi before thumping another shot just wide.
But it was the home side who after a slow start began stamping their authority. The hosts were awarded what looked like a questionable penalty by Moroccan referee Redouane Jiye who seemed to give every 50/50 tackle in favour of the home side.
However, Khune who seemed to enjoy big occasions saved the penalty taken by Jonathan Pitroipa when he lunged to his right to palm away the spot kick.
Buoyed by a 35 000 capacity crowd, the home side threw everything into the attack but Khune was like a rock on which all of the hosts’ attacks perished.
Erick Mathoho was left for the dead in the 23rd minute but from a goalmouth melee, Khune came out tops.
The Kaizer Chiefs shot stopper was on several occasions called upon to save his team and thwarted everything thrown at him.
Soon after resumption, Eleazer Rodgers missed a great cross from Makola as the visitors almost snatched a lead.
The home side then launched another second half blitz but whenever Bafana Bafana were breached, Khune refused to budge.
As the hosts continued to press forward, coach Mashaba was forced to take off a tiring Keagan Dolly for Oupa Manyisa in the 66th minute.
They then forced a number of corners in as many minutes but Khune and his backline stood firm.