Nelson Mandela Challenge Report: Bafana Bafana v Mali 13 October 2019

Oct 13, 2019 - 04:53 pm

By Soccer Laduma

Nelson Mandela Challenge Report: Bafana Bafana v Mali 13 October 2019

Dean Furman

Themba Zwane

Nelson Mandela Challenge Result: South Africa 2-1 Mali Date: 13 October 2019 Venue: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium Molefi Ntseki began his reign as Bafana Bafana on a victorious note after goals from Dean Furman and Themba Zwane secured victory over Mali in the Nelson Mandela Challenge.

New Bafana coach Molefi Ntseki kept only five players from the side that started in the defeat to Nigeria in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals, as Bradley Grobler, Thulani Serero, Keagan Dolly, Thapelo Morena and Erick Mathoho returned to the side, The game had fireworks in the early stages as Hadi Sacko came close to grabing the lead for the Eagles in the ninth with a cracking strike from outside the box that was brilliantly kept out by goalkeeper Ronwen Williams at full stretch. After showing glimpses of attacking flair going forward, Ntseki's troops were awarded a penalty in the 24th minute after Serero was brought down inside the box. Dean Furman stepped up to break the deadlock with a well taken low spot-kick. The hosts had a casualty with five minutes remaining of the first stanza, as Dolly picked up a foot injury and he was replaced by Themba Zwane. The Mamelodi Sundowns certainly made an impact after doubling the lead for Bafana in stoppage time of the first stanza, with a sweeping strike at the near post after receiving a through ball from Thembinkosi Lorch. Earn Airtime Data With Soccer Laduma's Social Media App - Download Now

Ntseki was looking to slow down the tempo of the match in the second half, as he made a double change on the hour mark with Thato Mokeke and Lebogang Phiri replacing Kamohelo Mokotjo and Serero. However, Sekou Koita of RB Salzburg pulled a goal back for Mohamed Magassouba's army 14 minutes before time, with a sweeping strike from the centre of the box to set up a nervy finish. Late substitute Kermit Erasmus almost restored a two-goal lead for the hosts in the last two minutes with a curling strike from the edge of the box, but Diarra was on hand to make the fine save. In the end, Bafana held possession and managed to clinch a 2-1 victory to be crowned 2019 Nelson Mandela Challenge winners.

Here's how they lined up:

Bafana: Williams, Morena, Mathoho, Hlatshwayo, Maela, Mokotjo, Furman, Serero, Lorch, Dolly, Grobler Subs: Keet (GK), Goss (GK), Mkhwanazi, Rikhotso, Lebusa, Mokeke, Phiri, Mvala, Zwane, Erasmus.