21 March 2018 – Bafana Bafana head coach, Stuart Baxter heaped praise on his charges for putting up a brave showing against Angola after reversing a 1-0 deficit to level matters and win the match 6-5 on penalties to secure a place in the finals of the four nations tournament currently taking place in Zambia.
Angola were quick to get off their starting blocks putting Bafana Bafana under tremendous pressure in the opening minutes of the game but didn’t do much to trouble the Bafana defense.
Bidvest Wits keeper, Darren Keet was called to action as early as the 7th minute after a stinging shot by Djalma Campos made its way through a crowd of players but found Keet on high alert.
Minutes later, South African eventually found their rhythm and got into their usual passing game with Bongani Zungu and Maphosa Modiba pulling the strings in the middle of the park. From then on it was South Africa who raided the Angolan defense with Phakamani Mahlambi being a thorn in their defense.
A lapse of concentration in the 31st minute resulted in South Africa being punished by Campos following a casual pass by Buhle Mkhwanazi.
However, Stuart Baxter’s men came out firing in the second stanza and quickly levelled matters through debutant, Lebogang Mothiba with a cheeky back heel following a good run from Mahlambi.
“The boys showed character against a very stubborn Angola side. We started off a bit slow in the opening minutes and they really came at us. We eventually gained control of the game with the younger players gaining more confidence. The opening goal was a bit unfortunate but I am glad we recuperated and found the equaliser. It was a great performance and we looking forward to the final on Saturday” said Baxter.