Sport

Namibia hold Bafana to a draw

Brad Morgan

4 March 2010

A friendly match between South Africa and Namibia at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Wednesday evening, played to celebrate 100 days to the opening of the Fifa World Cup, didn't bring the result fans were hoping for as Bafana Bafana drew 1-1 with their lightly-regarded opponents.

Namibia turned in a determined defensive performance – working hard to get all their players behind the ball – to frustrate Bafana Bafana and very nearly pull off a shock victory.

'Not the end of the world'

Parreira told the press afterwards: "It is always better to win, but this draw is not the end of the world as we will not face sides like Namibia in the World Cup.

"Namibia defended with 10 men behind the ball and at the World Cup it will be us that will be under pressure in defence."

Parreira's experimental line-up created numerous chances in the first half without reward. However, the five changes he made for the second half helped make Bafana Bafana a more cohesive unit.

Criticism

Parreira's primary criticism of the first half performance was a lack of patience. He also said that South Africa needed to keep the ball on the ground.

On a positive note, the coach believes he has found a player who could make his mark for South Africa: Thulasizwe Khuboni, who played the midfield anchor role in front of the defence.

"It is no fluke that Khuboni was name Man of the Match in our last two games," said Parreira.

'Pleased'

"He is learning to play his role as a defensive midfield the way the Brazilians do. I am pleased with the way he has developed."

For Teko Modise, given the captain's armband for the match, it wasn't a good outing. He and Lebohang Mokoena lacked a cutting edge in the midfield, which allowed Namibia the opportunity to organise its defence as South Africa's build ups lacked pace under their guidance.

In defence of the defenders, the back four for South Africa was a completely new combination, featuring Bradley Carnell on the left, Siyabonga Sangweni and Bevan Fransman in the middle, and Anele Ngconca on the right.

Bright start

Bafana Bafana began brightly, taking the game to the Brave Warriors, but the Namibians stood strong and had a chance to shock the home side after a blunder by Sangweni. Rudolf Bester, who plays for Maritzburg United, got a shot off, but Itumeleng Khune had no problem dealing with it.

After a quarter-of-an-hour Modise produced a strong shot, but goalkeeper Athiel Mbaha, also of Maritzburg United, punched the ball clear.

Near the half-hour mark, Modise had a couple more opportunities, but Mbaha was up to his efforts.

Celebrating

Namibian captain Quinton Jacobs shot just over Khune's crossbar with a speculative long-range free kick in the 35th minute. Six minutes later, however, the Brave Warriors were celebrating.

Razundara Tjikuzu used his pace to round Carnell on the left and his well-placed cross left Bester with an easy tap-in to put the visitors ahead.

Changes

After the break, Reneilwe Letsholonyane and Tlou Segolela were brought on and immediately made a difference for Bafana Bafana with their sense of urgency. Segolela especially, with his pace, made matters difficult for the Namibians.

Fifteen minutes into the second stanza, Daine Klate, Bryce Moon and Lucas Thwala were introduced and they, too, helped lift the South African performance.

Letsholonyane created an excellent chance for Segolela a minute later, but Segolela was denied by Mbaha.

Rewarded

The home team had created far more chances than Namibia and they were finally rewarded in the 69th minute when Katlego Mphela pulled them back to level terms.

Letsholonyane set Moon free on the flank and he then found Mphela with a pinpoint cross which the striker hammered past Mbaha for the equalizer, much to the relief of the crowd.

Bafana pressed hard for victory, but despite their efforts could not find a second goal. After four minutes of added time the final whistle sounded and South Africa, ranked 81st in the world, had drawn 1-1 with 109th ranked Namibia.