Bafana Bafana cruise past CAR in 2014 World Cup quest Bafana Bafana enhanced their chances of playing in the 2014 Fifa World Cup with a hard-fought but convincing 3-0 victory over the Central African Republic (CAR) in Yaoundé, Cameroon on Saturday. But with Group A leaders Ethiopia winning against Botswana 2-1 in Lobatse, next Sunday’s encounter in Addis Ababa looks like the decider of who ultimately wins this group. The match between Bafana Bafana and CAR was moved to a neutral venue due to political instability in the Central African state. Though preparations for Bafana were less than ideal as they were first stranded in Douala and missed a day’s training before embarking on a treacherous road trip to the capital Yaoundé, Gordon Igesund’s charges were full value for their deserved victory. CAR started brightly but Bafana Bafana fought off an early onslaught to break the deadlock on 26 minutes through Bernard Parker. The Kaizer Chiefs hitman scored when he was fed by Siphiwe Tshabalala who had a blinder of a game. The Chiefs midfielder collected the ball in his own half and slotted it through to Parker, who reacted quickest to beat a CAR offside trap before slipping in the opener. Tshabalala then added his name to the score-sheet to make it 2-0 on 41st minute following a fine midfield interchange involving him and Reneilwe Letsholonyane. The Chiefs midfielder broke free and rounded the CAR keeper before planting the ball in the back of the net. Parker almost made it 3-0 on 47 minutes but the opposition keeper did well to smother a threatening move. A minute later Khune was called into action to deny CAR. Moroka Swallows star Katlego Mashego, who came on for Parker did increase the score to 3-0 in stoppage time following a solo run by Oupa Manyisa. The Orlando Pirates man had come on for Tokelo Rantie. It was a vintage performance by Igesund’s men, setting up what looks like a treat of a game next Sunday. In fact, apart from the opening minutes of the game, Bafana were never in any danger of losing this one. The defence was impressive and never gave anything away. At the same time the midfield was also effective and the two goals gave credence to their effectiveness. With three points safely secured in the bag, Bafana Bafana head to Addis Ababa for what should be a bruising battle for the Group A leadership. Ethiopia still lead the group, with two points ahead of Bafana following their 2-1 outcome against Botswana in Lobatse. Teams: CAR: Ezzoat, Yamissi, Kethevoama, Kossingou, Anzite, Momi, Keita, Zimbori (Moussa 78th), Lignanzi (Kethevoama 54th), Youga, Dertin (Kago 67th). South Africa: Khune, Ngcongca, Mathoho, Nthethe, Nunes, Mahlangu (Ntshumayelo 81st), Furman, Letsholonyane, Tshabalala, Parker (Mashego 63rd), Rantie (Manyisa 57th).
Posted on: Sat, 08 Jun 2013 17:38:40 +0000