22 July 2017 – A first half strike by Ryan Moon ensured South Africa maintains their dominance over Botswana as Bafana Bafana edged the Zebras 1-0 in the second leg match of the 2018 CHAN qualifies played at the Moruleng Stadium in Rustenberg.

The South Africans came into the return leg with a comfortable 2-0 away victory to their name after a brilliant performance in Botswana last week.

It was in-form forward, Ryan Moon who struck in the 11th minute, subsequently getting his second international goal after debutant, Sipho Mbule went on a brilliant maize run before laying off the ball for a well-positioned Moon who comfortably slotted home.

The 19-year-old could have registered his brace just a few minutes later after pouncing on a loose ball in the Botswana danger area to unleash a snap shot that went straight at the keeper, Mwampole Masule.

Botswana hardly troubled the home side, failing to send not a single attempt at goal throughout the half while the hosts continued piling on the pressure.

Alexander Cole’s well struck volley in the 30th minute almost caught Masule off guard who watched the ball go over the bar.

The hardworking midfielder was back in the picture just a few minutes later, setting up Siphelele Ntshangase with a delightful through ball but quick thinking from Masule, who rushed off his line deprived Ntshangase of a shot.

Returning from the break, Bafana looked to continue where they left off with Cole sending a stinging shot just a few seconds after the resumption but the keeper had the shot well covered.

The troublesome Moon had an early chance of increasing his tally after an inviting cross from Dumisani Zuma landed in front of the young striker who fired straight at the oncoming Masule.

Botswana finally got their chance at goal in the 53rd minute which could have been converted after Lemogang Maswena’s header from close range went just over the bar.

The Zebra’s gained confidence and started moving the ball around but hardly caused troubles for the Bafana defence.

With a victory well on the cards, Bafana resorted to keeping possession and making the Zebras chase shadows for the remainder of the match.

The result sees Bafana advancing to the next round of qualifiers with a tricky encounter against Zambia on the cards.