Bafana Bafana advanced to the COSAFA Cup semi-finals after finishing top of of Group A on Tuesday afternoon.
COSAFA Cup
Result: South Africa 0-0 Mauritius
Date: 10 June 2025
Venue: Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium
Bafana coach Vela Khumalo handed Mduduzi Shabalala his first start of the tournament in place Masindi Nemtajela, while Boitumelo Radiopane kept his place at the head of the attack.
The hosts nearly got off to the perfect position when Radiopane broke free down the left, but his effort was turned onto the upright by the Mauritian goalkeeper.
Mauritius had to wait 21 minutes for their big chance from a corner as captain Marc Rose headed over the crossbar from six yards out after Bafana went to sleep in the box.
The South Africans dominated the encounter for the rest of the half but struggled to carve out any clear-cut chances in the Mauritius, much to the displeasure of the supporters in the stadium.
Bafana continued dominating in the second in the second period but they squandered a big chance of their own when Aden McCarthy lost his marker in the box and headed over the crossbar from six yards out.
Khumalo opted for a triple change for the final 25 minutes as Nemtajela, Victor Letsoalo and Sanele Barns were introduced to freshen up the attack and go for the opening goal.
Bafana did have their chances in the closing stages, with Radiopane going closest in stoppage time by firing inches wide of the upright after a scramble in the box.
Neither side were able to find the breakthrough and were forced to settled for a point, which was enough to seal top spot in Group A after Mozambique lost to Zimbabwe.
