Bafana Bafana endured a frustrating evening after being held to a goalless draw by Eswatini in an international friendly at FNB Stadium.
International Friendly
Result: South Africa 0-0 Eswatini
Date: 13 October 2023
Venue: FNB StadiumBafana made wholesale changes from their win over Democratic Republic of Congo, as only Siyanda Xulu, Nyiko Mobbie, Mihlali Mayambela and Lyle Foster retained their places, with the likes of Themba Zwane and Teboho Mokoena returning.
The hosts started on a bright note as Zwane had a chance to give them the lead within five minutes with a sight of goal in the box but his shot was saved by goalkeeper Khayakwezwe Shabalala.
Hugo Broos' charges had spaces in attack and Foster had two chances in a short space of time after 25 minutes but he blazed his shots over the crossbar on both occasions.
Bafana upped their tempo after that and Mobbie fancied his chances ten minutes before the interval with a low drive from a set-piece routine from range that was smothered by Shabalala.
Eswatini had a rare chance on a counter-attack towards the end of the first stanza but they could not capitalize in the box and South Africa continued their dominance on the ball but they could not turn it into opportunities, as the sides went to the break deadlocked.
Broos made a triple change at half-time, as Bongokuhle Hlongwane and Mduduzi Mdantsane offered fresh legs in attack and Sibongiseni Mthethwa also replaced Mokoena for the same reason in midfield.
Bafana were more purposeful going forward but they only came close to breaking the deadlock shortly after the hour-mark after Aubrey Modiba made a teasing cross that needed a tap-in but the ball evaded Hlongwane and Mdantsane in front of goal and Khanyisa Mayo, at the back post, fired the cross over the crossbar.
The Belgian took the game to Eswatini in the last 15 minutes with an attacking and tactical switch as Zakhele Lepasa replaced Njabulo Blom.
Eswatini defended deep and in numbers in the dying minutes and Bafana could not break them down and the visitors nearly stole a win in stoppage time but Nkosinathi Sibisi made a crucial clearance at the back post from a cross, as the game ended goalless.
Here's how they lined up:
South Africa: Mothwa, Mobbie, Xulu, Sibisi, Modiba, Mokoena, Blom, Zwane, Mayo, Mayambela, Foster
Subs: Goss, Hlongwane, Kekana, Mthethwa, Williams, Mdantsane, Mako, Lepasa, Mvala, Mudau, Mothiba, Sithole
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