Goals by Tokelo Rantie, Thamsanqa Gabuza and Andile Jali earned South Africa a vital 3-1 away win over Angola in the first leg of their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier tie played at the Estadio Nacional de Ombaka in Benguela on Friday afternoon. The Orlando Pirates striker, however, inexplicably chose not to shoot and the move broke down.
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Bafana levelled the scores in the 14th minute. The striker has risen from relative obscurity to establish himself as one top marksman for club and country and provided the finish of a man in form following a precise ball from Mandla Masango.
The Angolan ‘keeper then had to rush off his line to clear another threatening South African attack, and it wasn’t long before Mashaba’s side were in front. Thabo Matlaba found Rantie in space in the box, and the Bournemouth striker took one touch before reeling off a pinpoint strike into the corner of the net and restore parity.
Palancas Negras head coach Romeu Filemon made a tactical substitution in the 24th minute intruducing Dario for Buatu.
In the 33rd minute, Bafana defender Erick Mathoho rose highest inside the Angola to head the ball straight into shot-stopper Dominique’s hands.
Ethiopian referee Bamlak Tesseme had a odd game, failing to book Kusunga early on when he blatantly blocked a Rantie run at goal. We need to get a goal so that when we get home half the work is done.
Mashaba made his first change of the day in the 55th minute pulling out Thulani Serero for Mpho Makola.
Similar to the other substitutes, didn’t have much impact upon his introduction, despite playing the last 20 minutes. The gloveman, however, lost the ball and Rantie took possession but a defender got a block in before the Bafana player could fashion a shot.
Replaced Serero shortly after the halftime break, although didn’t do any better than the Ajax Amsterdam midfielder.
In the 71 minute, Angolan captain Bastos had a decent chance from the edge of the area, but dragged his shot off target.
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A penalty from Andile Jali with under 10 minutes remaining sealed the match as a contest, as Bafana turned in a comprehensive scoreline.
