[ 2015-01-15 ]

South Africa finalize preparations for AFCON with 3-0 thrashing of Mali
South Africa ended their Africa Cup of Nations
preparations with a 3-0 win over Mali in an
international friendly on Wednesday afternoon.

It was Mali, who dominated the opening exchanges,
while Bafana were chasing shadows for most of the
opening 20 minutes.

Shakes Mashaba’s side started seeing more of the
ball after the 20 minute-mark, with Mandla Masango
and Sibusiso Vilakazi getting a little joy in the
final third.

Most of Mali’s attacks came courtesy of Sambou
Yatabare and Ahmed Doumbia down the flanks, both
wingers managed to get beyond their opposing
fullbacks but the final ball let them down.

However, Bafana took the lead in the 37th minute,
as Hlatshwayo got on the end of Masango’s
free-kick to put his side in the lead.

Meanwhile, Mali have failed to register a single
effort on target in the opening 45 minutes,
despite their dominance.

Bongani Ndulula, who struggled upfront in the
first half, almost doubled Bafana’s lead in the
63rd minute but his strike was cleared off the
line from by Mohammed Konate.

However, Mali almost leveled matters minutes later
but Mustapha Yatabare’s header crashed against
the upright.

The Eagles should have equalised in the 67th
minute but Mohammed Traore failed to hit the
target from point-blank range.

Bafana then doubled the lead in the 81st minute,
as Sibusiso Vilakazi grabbed his second goal in as
many games with a finish from three-yards out.

Mashaba’s side then got a third in the 84th
minute, courtesy of close range finish from Dean
Furman.

Here’s how they lined-up:

Bafana Bafana XI: Jackson Mabokgwane, Siyabonga
Nhlapho, Thabo Matlaba, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Anele
Ngcongca, Dean Furman, Andile Jali (c), Mandla
Masango, Thuso Phala, Bongani Ndulula, Sibusiso
Vilakazi

Mali: Soumeila Diakite, Drissa Diakite, Mohammed
Konate, Adama Tamboura, Molla Wague, Ahmed
Doumbia, Seydou Keita, Yacouba Traore, Bakary
Sako, Mustapha Yatabare, Sambou Yatabare

Source - Ghanasoccer

... go Back