Bafana Bafana B gave themselves a lifeline at the 2025 COSAFA Cup by beating Zimbabwe 2-0 in Group A at the Toyota Stadium on Saturday.
Kabelo Dlamini ‘s first half penalty and Ime Okon’s second half header was enough to hand the host nation three points and a move to second place in the group with three points, a point behind Mozambique in top spot with one group match to play. Only the top sides in the four groups at the regional tournament will progress to the knockout phase.
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Bafana coach Vela Khumalo made four changes to the side that lost 1-0 to Mozambique in the opener starting Siyanda Msani, Kwanda Mngonyama, Masindi Nemtajela and Boitumelo Radiopane at the expense of Puso Dithejane, Victor Letsoalo, Sanele Barns and Vuyo Letlapa.
South Africa had the lion’s share of possession but were not ruthless in front of goal in the first half. Nemtajela missed two opportunities to put his side ahead shooting wide in the 13th and 15th minutes. Zimbabwean goalkeeper produced some super saves against a Radiopane shot and Kabelo Dlamini’s attempt inside 20 minutes. But in the 39th minute, Nemtajela was brought down in the box and won a penalty for South Africa which Dlamini slotted home to break the deadlock. Bafana could have made it 2-0 just before the break through Siphesihle Mkhize but he was denied by Martin Mapisa.
Bafana kept their momentum in the second stanza and almost doubled their lead five-minutes in. Radiopane found Nemtajela who saw the keeper out of position however the Marumo Gallants midfielder missed the target. There was another opportunity for Khumalo’s charges in the 69th minute. They won a set-piece and Dlamini sent it into the box looking for Radiopane but the striker could not burry the attempt.
The 22-year-old forward had another shot saved by Mapisa in the 75th minute. Bafana’s persistence was rewarded three minutes later from as a set piece taken by Gape Moralo was finished by Okon with a header.
Bafana will play Mauritius in the final group match on Tuesday at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium.
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