PRO PHILANI’S MZANSI WRAP: Contrasting fortunes for Bafana and Banyana

It was hardly the ideal week for Bafana leading up to their vital World Cup qualifier against Ethiopia last week. There were plenty of verbals, player/club shenanigans and a general feeling that Huge Broos was being undermined.

Nonetheless, the Bafana boss and his men jetted out of the country for a crucial qualifier away to Ethiopia. Once again, in his squad selection, Broos left out PSL favourites and picked only one overseas-based player. The Belgian made a u-turn on Thabiso Kutumela who he initially dropped after he received his second jab just before the Bafana camp got underway. Meanwhile, Pirates midfielder Goodman Mosele absconded and was subsequently replaced by Jesse Donn from SuperSport United.

With all of the drama, it was easy to forget that a football match needed to take place. The Bafana goal was under siege early on, with Ronwen Williams bailing South Africa out on several occasions following poor defending. The tide began to change as Broos’ young side gained a foothold in the match. An own goal from Ethiopia keeper following a Teboho Mokoena freekick in the 45th minute opened the scoring for Bafana . The Ethiopians came back stronger in the second half and were duly rewarded in the 67th minute from a stunning freekick.

Fan favourite, Mothobi Mvala, restored Bafana’s lead four minutes later after Ethiopia failed to deal with along throw-in from Nyiko Mobbie. It was Broos’ men who hung onto the lead until a Victor Letsoalo header released Evidence Makgopa who found himself one-on-one against the keeper. The lanky striker made no mistake as he netted the third in the 91st minute and secured all three points.

Bafana top their group with 7 points after three matches. Ghana are second on the mini log with 6 points. Both of these sides will be looking to secure three more points in the reverse fixtures as the quest to secure qualification into the next round of qualifiers continues.