A spectacular second-half strike from Sipho Mbule gave South Africa a
1-0 victory over Ghana in an international friendly at Dobsonville Stadium
on Tuesday, providing a positive send-off ahead of the Africa Cup of
Nations.
Bafana Bafana dominated possession from the outset but struggled to convert
their early control into clear chances. Their best opportunity of the first
half came in the 12th minute when Mbule connected with a Mohau Nkota corner,
but his close-range header sailed off target.
Ghana, fielding a squad drawn from their domestic league, offered little in
attack during the opening period, choosing instead to absorb pressure and
look for breaks, which were consistently dealt with by a solid South African
defence.
Coach Hugo Broos made three changes at halftime, introducing goalkeeper
Sipho Chaine, Teboho Mokoena, and Oswin Appollis. The momentum shift paid
dividends in the 57th minute. Mbule pounced on a loose ball and unleashed a
powerful 25-yard drive into the bottom corner, leaving the Ghanaian keeper
rooted to the spot.
Bafana failed to find a second goal to kill the game, which nearly proved
costly. Ghana substitute Rudolf Mensah hit the post with a fierce shot in
the 78th minute, and Chaine was forced into a sharp save moments later to
preserve the lead.
The South African side managed the final minutes to secure the win and a
valuable clean sheet. They now turn their full attention to AFCON, where
they begin their Group C campaign against Angola on Monday, 22 December.
Lineups:
Bafana Bafana (Starting XI): Goss (Chaine 46’); Matuludi, Ndamane, Sibisi,
Modiba; Mbatha (Mokoena 46’), Aubaas, Mbule; Nkota (Appollis 46’), Moremi,
Makgopa.
Subs Not Used: Williams, Mbokazi, Kabini, Ngezana, Mudau, Mokwana, Mofokeng.
*Result: Bafana Bafana 1 (Mbule 57’) – 0 Ghana*
