Opponent Watch: South Africa finalize preparations for AFCON with 3-0 thrashing of Mali
South Africa ended their Africa Cup of Nations preparations with a 3-0 win over Mali in an international friendly on Wednesday afternoon.
It was Mali, who dominated the opening exchanges, while Bafana were chasing shadows for most of the opening 20 minutes.
Shakes Mashaba's side started seeing more of the ball after the 20 minute-mark, with Mandla Masango and Sibusiso Vilakazi getting a little joy in the final third.
Most of Mali's attacks came courtesy of Sambou Yatabare and Ahmed Doumbia down the flanks, both wingers managed to get beyond their opposing fullbacks but the final ball let them down.
However, Bafana took the lead in the 37th minute, as Hlatshwayo got on the end of Masango's free-kick to put his side in the lead.
Meanwhile, Mali have failed to register a single effort on target in the opening 45 minutes, despite their dominance.
Bongani Ndulula, who struggled upfront in the first half, almost doubled Bafana's lead in the 63rd minute but his strike was cleared off the line from by Mohammed Konate.
However, Mali almost leveled matters minutes later but Mustapha Yatabare's header crashed against the upright.
The Eagles should have equalised in the 67th minute but Mohammed Traore failed to hit the target from point-blank range.
Bafana then doubled the lead in the 81st minute, as Sibusiso Vilakazi grabbed his second goal in as many games with a finish from three-yards out.
Mashaba's side then got a third in the 84th minute, courtesy of close range finish from Dean Furman.
Here's how they lined-up:
Bafana Bafana XI: Jackson Mabokgwane, Siyabonga Nhlapho, Thabo Matlaba, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Anele Ngcongca, Dean Furman, Andile Jali (c), Mandla Masango, Thuso Phala, Bongani Ndulula, Sibusiso Vilakazi
Mali: Soumeila Diakite, Drissa Diakite, Mohammed Konate, Adama Tamboura, Molla Wague, Ahmed Doumbia, Seydou Keita, Yacouba Traore, Bakary Sako, Mustapha Yatabare, Sambou Yatabare
Readers Comment
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TK
9 years ago
Once again you'll see that playing in Europe don't mean nothing when it comes to AFCON....2 teams in this group,SA n Tunisia have 90 % of their players from their leagues.
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COSAFA
9 years ago
Well done Bafana Bafana,we behind you and remain focused.
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Mr south africa
9 years ago
I'm waiting for Ghanaians to start talking or you are realising that Bafana are no push overs...
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Kk
9 years ago
The fear of SA is the beginning of wisdom
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banger
9 years ago
GET OFF OUR NUTS.THE TOURNAMENT HASN'T START YET
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Ghanaman
9 years ago
SA are sending shivers down my spin ,this group is no walk in the park.
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