Bafana
Bafana defeated Malawi 3-1 in an international friendly match played at Moses
Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday, 22 December 2012.
Bafana
raced to a 2-0 lead inside 10 minutes through goals from Lehlohonolo Majoro and
Siphiwe Tshabalala.
May
Mahlangu completed a comfortable win for Gordon Igesund’s side when he
converted from the spot in the 74th minute after second half substitute Tokelo
Rantie was brought down inside the box.
Malawi
had pulled one back early in the second stanza when Siyabonga Sangweni was
adjudged to have fouled Robert Ng'ambi inside the penalty area and Josephy
Kamwendo made no mistake from the spot kick.
This
was head coach Igesund’s sixth match in charge after Brazil, Mozambique,
Poland, Kenya and Zambia - all which formed part of preparations for the Africa
Cup of Nations 2013 tournament which South Africa will host from 19 January to
10 February.
In
the absence of regular captain, Bongani Khumalo, Igesund handed goalkeeper
Itumeleng Khune the armband.
Striker
Bernard Parker was not part of the proceedings after being ruled out of the
match against The Flames due to an ankle injury.
Igesund
made six changes in the second half to have a look at other players. Daine
Klate came in for Siphiwe Tshabalala, Tokelo Rantie replaced Majoro, Mahlangu
took the place of Lerato Chabangu, Thuso Phala came on for Sifiso Myeni, while
Thabo Nthete replaced Bevan Fransman with Thanduyise Khuboni swopping places
with Reneilwe Letsholonyane.
“I
am happy with the win and if we had been more clinical, could have scored more
goals. In the first half we played very well but lost our shape early in the
second half when we made some change. Some of the players looked tired and that
is why I made those changes and gave others a run,” said Igesund.
“It
is clear that there is still a lot of work to be done and we are all aware of
that. I however, believe people can now see the bigger picture. Right now I
believe I have about 18 players in my mind, and need to fill in the missing
places.”
The
coach will get a last look at other players during the mini training camp that
will be held in Johannesburg from Thursday, 27 December to Sunday, 30 December.
After the camp the coach will select his final 23-man squad to represent South
Africa at the AFCON 2013 tournament.
The
squad announcement will be made on Sunday, 30 December at 15h00 at the Southern
Sun Monte Casino Hotel in Fourways.
Igesund
also pleaded for public support.
“We
need the people of South Africa to support us as we embark on this AFCON 2013
campaign,” said Igesund.
Bafana
Bafana’s next match is another friendly international against Norway in Cape
Town on Tuesday, 8 January 2013.
