A sold-out affair ended up in draw where South Africa’s men’s team locked horns with Ugandan giants. Hugo Broos’ troops displayed a solid character from the first whistle, where they managed to find the back of the net in the 14th minute of the first half by the England-based prolific forward Lyle Foster.
Bafana Bafana showed dominance throughout the first half creating countless goal scoring chances but failing to utilize and capitalize on those chances with Oswin Appollis being troublesome on that left flank. The game proved to be a game of two halves when the Uganda Cranes equalized and took a lead in an abbreviated period of no more than 4 minutes. The game challenged the Belgian tactician, Hugo Broos into thinking out of the box and try to bring in new legs which he may see capable of changing a game for the Bafana side. The coolest coach ever to coach Bafana as he is affectionately known took no time in introducing a pacy forward from his camp, Iqraam Rayners replacing Oswin Appollis on 60th minute with a hope of putting pressure upfront.
Both Ugandan goals came from out of the box where South African goalkeeper was caught out of line. It was the first official Bafana game after a long time for goalkeeper Veli Mothwa in between the sticks in the absence of the Yashin Ballon d’Or award, Ronwen Williams who is nursing an injury. This was a big test for Mothwa, and a lot was expected from him as all eyes were on who the Belgian tactician would choose between Mothwa, Goss, and Chaine. Hugo Broos came out in defense of the embarrassed silly
goals, Veli Mothwa saying “This is something you know after the game if a selection is a mistake, you don’t know it if Veli doesn’t make that error, okay then maybe we win the game, and that can happen to every goalkeeper”. He added: & quotes: when I don’t regret that I put him in goal. (“Broos exonerates Bafana goalkeeper Veli Mothwa after Uganda… – MSN”) Now we must see how he is, he is extremely disappointed. “How shall I say it? We have much work to do to bring him back a bit mentally and we will see if it is possible. But I do not regret playing Veli today in goal at all.”
With changes made to the game it happened to be a man who came in on the 81st minute who took a late 95th minute strike outside the box which assured that Bafana at least walk away with a point at home. It was Thalente Mbatha’s 1st match in colors of Bafana Bafana, and the dynamic Orlando Pirates promising midfielder awarded himself with a goal which goes a long way not only for him but also for the coach who trusted him into changing a game in the last minutes of a 2-1 lead.
Bafana Bafana are now faced with a task of rectifying their mistakes on Tuesday when they play against South Sudan away from home. A game that is a must win for them as it will put them in a good chance in the group K. Of course, it will not be an easy game for Broos’ troops as they will be playing a wounded team with Sudan who suffered a loss in the hands of Congo national football team on Thursday. A good approach and character are all they need to make sure that they come home with the three points in
their next coming away game. Good sad news for Bafana is that one Sudan’s most influential right-back, Stephen Joseph dhata is injured, and that may work in Bafana’s advantage as they are known to have fast and skilled wingers. The 22-year-old influential right-back who is playing for NEC FC was said to be among the right-backs monitored by Orlando Pirates a few months ago as they were in search of a new full-back. Going into Tuesday’s game, it is all up to Hugo Broos if he is going to continue trusting the Usuthu goalkeeper despite his Friday display or give a chance to the two other goalkeepers in his camp.
By Olothando Mpapama
Twitter: @Molothando_22
