Bafana Bafana continued their dominance over Swaziland with a hard-fought 3-1 victory in an international friendly match played at Somhlolo Stadium in Lobamba, Swaziland, on Wednesday.
It was the sixth meeting between the two Cosafa rivals with Bafana Bafana yet to taste defeat by Sihlangu. The hosts might have fancied their chances as they went into the break with the score deadlocked at 0-0.
However, Shakes Mashaba’s men turned on the magic in the second half to exert their dominance over Sihlangu.
Goals from captain of the day Thulani “Tyson” Hlatshwayo, Thabo Mnyamane and Mandla Masango ensured victory for the South Africans. Felix Badenhorst got the consolation for the hosts.
The game started at a slow pace but Bafana Bafana dominated the early exchanges. The first real chance fell to Swaziland on the 18th minute but veteran Tony Tsabedze shot wide.
Mnyamane was a constant threat to the Swazis and it was only a matter of time before he punished them. For the most part, the hosts appeared to deal well with his threat as the game went into the break deadlocked at 0-0 as Swaziland finished the half the stronger side.
Bafana Bafana made their first change at the end of the first half with Siphelele Ntshangase coming on for Lehlohonolo Majoro.
They also replaced Itumeleng Khune with Jackson Mabokgwane at the start of the second half. The visitors then took the lead on the 50th minute through captain Hlatshwayo with a fine header.
Two minutes later the hosts were once again rattled with Mnyamane making it 2-0 following a fine pass from Thulani Serero. It was Mnyamane’s debut goal.
There were some anxious moments for Bafana Bafana soon after that as goalkeeper Mabokgwane sustained an injured that threatened to end his game. After some time with the medical team, he appeared fine but Swaziland sensed an opportunity as they went for the jugular.
Felix Badenhorst pulled a goal back for Swaziland on the 66th minute as the hosts piled on the pressure. For the most part they were pumping in long balls, hoping to catch Mabokgwane off guard. Then Mandla Masango eased the pressure off Bafana Bafana with five minutes to go.
Bafana Bafana held on for a 3-1 victory and a perfect record against their southern African neighbours. They will return to South Africa on Thursday to continue preparations for the friendly international against Nigeria, scheduled for Sunday at Mbombela Stadium.
SA 11 v Swaziland: Itumeleng Khune (GK), Thapelo Morena, Thabo Matlaba, Thulani Hlatshwayo (c), Daniel Cardoso, Kamohelo Mokotjo, Cole Alexander, Thulani Serero, Lehlohonolo Majoro, Ayanda Patosi, Thabo Mnyamane.
Subs: Jackson Mabokgwane (GK), Siyabonga Nhlapho, Sibusiso Khumalo, Rivaldo Coetzee, Andile Jali, Jabulani Shongwe, Mandla Masango, Tokelo Rantie, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Bongani Zungu, Siphelele Ntshangase, Lebogang Phiri
Not considered for match day: Brilliant Khuzwayo (GK), Thuso Phala, Oupa Manyisa
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