Phiri makes the most of his opportunity inspiring Bafana
Orlando Stadium
South Africa (1)1
Phiri 45
Sudan (0)0
Lebogang Phiri made the most of the absence of Keagan Dolly and Themba Zwane, inspiring Bafana Bafana to their first win in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers by showing his worth.
The France-based midfielder has been unfortunate to earn only a handful of caps and to miss out of Afcon in Egypt earlier this year.
His talent and quality are undoubted, but the players who play ahead of him have more international experience.
Yesterday he also showed that he isn’t a bad shout, skilfully bamboozling his way past Sudan’s defence to help Bafana kick start their Afcon campaign.
Bafana coach Molefi Ntseki started with an attack-minded team as the side looked to bounce back from their loss in their opening qualifier to Ghana on Thursday.
Lebo Mothiba led the attack, supported by Percy Tau, Thulani Serero and Phiri. Ntseki’s team should have taken an early lead after clever play from Phiri set up Kamohelo Mokotjo. The England-based midfielder fluffed his opportunity and the ball fell to Thapelo Morena who missed a sitter.
Mothiba missed an even more glorious chance as Bafana failed to make the most of their early dominance.
The hosts were all over Sudan, who parked the bus and looked to catch South Africa on the counter. Bafana were patient in their build-up, looking to penetrate Sudan with their slick interplay but the Falcons of Jediane refused to budge.
Read the full story on: IOL.