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| Bafana Bafana Celebrates a goal |
Two second half goals courtesy of Tokelo Rantie and Percy Tau, saw the South Africans claim a famous 2-0 away victory over Nigeria.
Bafana Bafana had hoped to give their new coach something to smile about as they took on Nigeria in a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Saturday evening. The clash signalled Stuart Baxter’s first game back in charge of the South African national team following the sacking of Shakes Mashaba in December, and the 63-year-old opted for the tried and tested ahead of the clash.
Bafana Bafana, in their first match under new coach Stuart Baxter, put in a superb display marked by a resilient defence and speed on the counter attack, with second-half goals from Tokelo Rantie and Percy Tau taking them to a famous victory at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
Nigeria enjoyed the lion’s share of possession in the early stages and they created the first clear chance in the 11th minute when Wilfred Ndidi picked up on a loose ball on the edge of the box and sent a left-footed volley off target.
The South Africans were struggling to contain the pacey Nigerian attack and 22 minutes into the match, the home side had a glorious opportunity to open the scoring.
Oghenekaro Etebo’s made a late surge into the box, which went by undetected by the South African defence, but he failed to test Khune with a shot from close range. The half time break was quickly approaching and the game was becoming a scrappy affair with both teams guilty of turning over possession far too easily.
Khune would once again have to be alert as he smartly tipped over a Moses Simon attempted cross.
With 41 minutes on the clock, Bafana were almost gifted a goal after South Africa-based Nigerian keeper, Daniel Akpeyi, dropped a Tebogo Langerman cross into the path of Themba Zwane, but the 27-year-old could only watch on as his shot cannoned off the woodwork.
Bafana Bafana found themselves defending for most of the early stages in the second half, but on 54 minutes they claimed the lead through Rantie, who met Ramahlwe Mphahlele’s cross and beat Akepyi at his near post with a downward header.
With 20 minutes of regulation time remaining the visitors should have doubled their lead, with a counter attack opening up a chance for Zwane, who again beat Akpeyi only to see his effort rebound off the near post. On 78 minutes Nigeria almost forced an equaliser as Ahmed Musa and Etebo threatened in the penalty area and South Africa needed Dean Furman to make a desperate clearance from almost under his own crossbar.
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| Super Eagles of NIgeria |
The Nigerians were growing increasingly frustrated which led to them taking several long-range shots which did little to trouble Khune. Time was running out and Nigeria caused the South African defence a few nervy moments but they stood firm and repelled the danger. With 10 minutes to go, Baxter threw on Tau and the youngster repaid the coach’s faith in him as he profited from a beautiful through pass by Keagan Dolly, and finished off with a perfect move to increase Bafana Bafana goal margin.
Nigeria 0
South Africa (0) 2 (Rantie 54’, Tau 81’)
Nigeria Squad: Daniel Akpeyi (GK), Abdullahi Shehu, Chidozie Awaziem, William Troost-Ekong, Elderson Echiejile, Oghenekaro Etebo, Eddy Onazi, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi (Ahmed Musa 59’), Kelechi Iheanacho (Olarenwaju Kayode 71’) , Moses Simon (Victor Osimhen 86’).
South Africa Squad: Itumeleng Khune (GK), Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Erick Mathoho, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Tegobo Langerman, Dean Furman, Bongani Zungu, Themba Zwane, Keagan Dolly (Tiyani Mabunda 85’), Sibusiso Vilakazi (Lebogang Manyama 65’), Tokelo Rantie (Percy Tau 80’).
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