Bafana Bafana secured a 1-0 win over Botswana to make it two wins from two in the FIFA International break as preparation for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
South Africa came into the game on a high after the 4-0 win over Sierra Leone on Saturday with head coach Hugo Broos saying he was expecting more of the same as they prepare to face Liberia in March next year.
And despite a rather tame display for most of the game, they showed their structural improvements in defence and midfield while Teboho Mokoena’s first-half free-kick proved the difference on the evening.
The Mamelodi Sundowns star netted from just outside the area in the 38th minute which was the highlight of the game, with the exception of debutant Sibongiseni Mthethwa who gave a good account of himself for future squad selections.
‘Ox’ as he’s affectionately known was one of the standout players alongside Rushine De Reuck against the Zebras who rarely troubled Veli Mothwa throughout the ninety minutes.
Bafana wasted two great chances late in the game, messing a 3v1 situation before substitute Mihlali Mayambela hit the side netting following a fine move. Bafana’s wastefulness almost came back to hurt them when Botswana hits the inside of the post in injury-time.
While their could have been more attacking impetus show by Bafana, the two wins and boost of confidence was what Hugo Broos and his troops were after in the break.
