Themba Zwane bagged a brace on his return for Bafana Bafana, who thrashed Sierra Leone 4-0 in an international friendly on Saturday afternoon.
International Friendly
Result: South Africa 4-0 Sierra Leone
Date: 24 September 2022
Venue: FNB Stadium
Bafana coach Hugo Broos made wholesale changes from the team that lost to Morocco, as only goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was retained his spot, while there were debuts for Mihlali Mayambela, Luke Le Roux and Kgaogelo Sekgota.
The game started to open up on 17 minutes after Aubrey Modiba forced a low save out of goalkeeper Mohamed Kamara from a free-kick.
The Leone Stars also threatened on transitions but also came close to breaking the deadlock five minutes later from a set-piece after Williams parried over a well hit strike by Kwame Quee.
With spaces opening up, Themba Zwane eventually broke the deadlock for Broos' charges on 33 minutes with a lovely finish after a good turn in the box on his return to the national side.
Bafana remained on the front foot as Mayambela had a chance to double their lead just before the halftime break after he was sent through on goal, but the on-rushing Kamara snuffed out the danger.
South Africa enjoted a perfect start in the second stanza, as Mayambela doubled their advantage with a tap-in at the near post after getting on the end of Zakhele Lepasa's pass.
The Leone Stars were fired up after that as Augustine Williams had a chance just before the hour-mark mark with a strike on the edge of the box that swerved away from goal.
Broos' men remained in control of the contest and Zwane put the game to bed on 64 minutes with a close-range finish after he cushioned Sekgota's cross past the defence in the six-yard box to complete his brace.
South Africa grew in confidence as Khanyisa Mayo and Pule Mmodi were brought on place of Sekgota and Mayambela for fresh legs in attack.
The substitutes made an immediate impact, as Aubrey Modiba made it 4-0 with a close-range finish after Mmodi's shot was initially saved by Kamara after a defence-splitting pass by Mayo..
However, the intensity of the game slowed down in the closing stages, with Bafana content knocking the ball around and contained John Krister's men to secure their first victory over the Leone Stars in an emphatic fashion.
Here's how they lined up:
South Africa: Williams, Mobbie, Sibisi, Maela, Modiba, Sithole, Le Roux, Mayambela, Sekgota, Zwane, Lepasa
Subs: Mothwa, Buthelezi, Mudau, De Rueck, Xulu, Msani, Mosele, Mokoena, Mthethwa, Du Preez, Mmodi, Mayo
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