Staff Reporter.
South Africa secured a narrow 1-0 win over the Zebras of Botswana in a friendly match played FNB stadium in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
Sibongiseni Mthethwa and Siyanda Msani were handed their debuts as Veli Mothwa started in goal ahead of captain Ronwen Williams.
Ashley Du Preez, Pule Mmodi and Khanyisa Mayo led the attack, while Goodman Mosele and Mokoena played behind in midfield.
Botswana didn’t allow Bafana dominance in the early exchanges and pressed high up. But this also left them exposed at the back.
Bafana eventually got into some rhythm with Tebogo Mokoena and Sibongiseni Mthethwa pulling the strings in the middle of the park.
With just over 20 minutes played, Ashley Du Preez was set through on goal after the Zebras keeper’s fumble in an attempted interception. But the Kaizer Chiefs striker took too long and the keeper managed to recover, come back and punch the ball away from him.
Not long after that Du Preez had another chance but was undecided with his effort which became half an attempt at goal and half a cross. The keeper easily caught the ball.
Mokoena came close with a well taken free kick with just less than 10 minutes to the end of the half. His effort however didn’t dip enough and went over.
But he redeemed himself a few minutes later when he sliced another free kick – which was much closer to the Botswana goals – into the net.
The second half saw a marginal improvement in performance from both sides as they made some efforts to attack each other with better intent.
Botswana almost found an equaliser when Mosha Gailaolwe broke out and was able to go past Bafana goalkeeper Mothwa, but defender Rushine de Reuck was there to spare the goalie’s blushes.
The Zebras would also feel that luck was not on their side as Tumisang Orebonye hit woodwork during referee’s optional time.