South Africa’s hopes of securing a spot at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations now lies in their hands following their 1-1 draw with the Black Stars of Ghana on Thursday afternoon.
Bafana Bafana coach Molefi Ntseki rang in the changes, with six new faces from the side that won against Sao Tome and Principe. Swallows forward Ruzaigh Gamildien got the nod upfront, while Siyanda Xulu, Rivaldo Coetze, Sifiso Hlanti, Innocent Maela and Andile Jali were also given chances.
South Africa took hold of the game early on, with Thapelo Moreana going close to opening the scoring four minutes into the game. The Mamelodi Sundowns star found himself unmarked facing goal but could only fire his shot at the side netting.
It was Bafana all the way as Hlanti also came close to scoring in the 19th minute after a first-time effort that seemed to be goal-bound but Ghana goalkeeper Razak Abalora pulled a fine stop to tip the ball over the bar.
Ntseki had no choice but to make an early change when Jali suffered an injury in the 24th minute. Orlando Pirates midfielder Ben Motshwari then came on in his place.
Morena had another big chance to open the scoring for Bafana after some good footwork from Percy Tau. However, he hit the side netting again, similar to the first effort.
Against the run of play, Ghana opened the scoring just four minutes into the second half. Mohammed Kudus caught the Bafana defence napping and sent in a shot past Ronwen Williams.
South Africa made almost an immediate response, with Tau grabbing the equalizer two minutes later with a right-footed effort, following an assist by Gamildien.
Luther Singh then came close to completing a turnaround for South Africa late on, with an effort outside the box that went just wide off goal.
Afriye Acquah had a similar chance for the Black Stars at the other end few minutes after but also sent his shot wide off goal again. In the end, both sides had to settle for a draw in what was a fair result.
The result means Ghana have qualified for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations regardless of their final fixture. On the path of South Africa, just a point against Sudan on Sunday would be enough to see them advance as well. No doubt, Ntseki and company would fancy their chances of doing that.