2020 African Nations Championship Qualifier
Result: Lesotho 3-2 South Africa
Date: 27 July 2019
Venue: Setsoto Stadium
Bafana Bafana suffered a 3-2 defeat to Lesotho in the first leg of their second-round African Nations Championship 2020 qualifier in Maseru on Sunday afternoon. Only Tercious Malepe, who skippered the side, Athenkosi Dlala and Kamohelo Mahlatsi remained in the line-up from the side that beat Malawi on penalties to claim the COSAFA Cup Plate silverware. Under-23 coach David Notoane had the privilege of being in charge of the Bafana side, with the aim of using the CHAN qualifiers as preparations for the Olympic Games team ahead of their crucial U-23 Africa Cup Of Nations qualifier last round clash against Zimbabwe in September. The young Bafana side started on the back foot, as they conceded an early goal in the fifth minute of the match through Tsepo Seturumane of Likuena. Mpitsa Marai's charges had their tails up after the goal, with South Africa still finding their feet in the encounter. However, Notoane's troops were growing in the match in the last quarter of an hour of the first stanza and their pressure paid off on the stroke of halftime as they were awarded a penalty. Malepe took responsibility and equalised from 12-yards out. Dlala had a great chance to give Bafana the lead three minutes before the hour-mark with a free-kick from just outside the box but he could not find the target. Malepe went from hero to villain for South Africa with 19 minutes remaining, as he was unfortunate to handle a ball inside the box and Likuena were awarded a spot-kick. Makara Ntaitsane had the confidence to restore the lead for the hosts and made no mistake from 12-yards, 2-1. Notoane needed a quick response in search of the equaliser in the last 15 minutes, as he brought on Luvuyo Phewa in place of Siboniso Conco. Phewa made an immediate impact as he snatched the equaliser for Bafana with a composed finish five minutes before time, after he was sent through clear on goal by Mahlatsi. However, Bafana's celebrations were short-lived as Lehlohonolo Fothoane netted the winner for Likuena in the last minute of regulation time. The second leg is set to take place next week Sunday at Dobsonville Stadium.
Bafana XI: Bongani Mpandle, Katlego Mohamme, Thabo Moloi, Athenkosi Dlala, Kamohelo Mahlatsi, Sibusiso Kumalo, Zama Rambuwane, Siboniso Conco, Shadrack Kobedi, Tercious Malepe (C), Sandile Mthethwa.
Subs: Andile Mbanjwa (GK), Sydney Mobbie, Livuyo Phewa, Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Siphesihle Mkhize, Jerry Msane, Onyedikachi Ononoghu.
