Bafana
Bafana’s campaign in the 29th edition of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations South
Africa 2013 came to an end when they lost 3-1 on penalties to Mali 3-1 after
the two teams ended deadlocked 1-1 after extra time.
The
quarterfinal clash took place at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on
Saturday, 2 February.
Mali
will now face the winner between Ivory Coast and Nigeria who will play in the
third quarterfinal on Sunday, 3 February in Rustenburg.
South
Africa was the first out of the blocks with a goal from striker Tokelo Rantie
in the 32nd minute.
Rantie
did not last the entire first half due to injury and was replaced by
Lehlohonolo Majoro in the 41st minute, playing his first match since he was
injured in the 2-0 victory over Angola.
South
Africa continued to apply the pressure but could not add on to their lead.
After
the break, it was Mali who levelled matters through their captain Seydou Keita
who nodded a free header past goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune.
Both
sides created good chances but could not find the deciding winning goal in
regulation time.
Thirty
minutes of extra time ended in a stalemate leading to a penalty shootout.
Second
half substitute Siphiwe Tshabalala was the only South African to score from the
spot kick, while Dean Furman, May Mahlangu and Majoro failed to convert.
Mali
kept their nerve and saw Diabate, Tamboura and M. Traore score to give the West
African side victory.
”Yes
like everyone around the country, I am hugely disappointed that we did not
proceed to the last four. But I can tell you now I am very proud of my team
tonight. They came here and matched one of the best teams on the continent and
even took them to penalties. Just a pity with penalties it’s the luck of the
draw, tonight luck was on Mali’s side they took their penalty kicks well,” said
Bafana Bafana head coach Gordon Igesund.
“My
players showed lot of guts, determination and most of all self-belief.”
Bafana
Bafana was again visited in their dressing room by the Minister of Sport and
Recreation South Africa, the Honourable Fikile Mbalula, Premier of KwaZulu
Natal Dr Zweli Mkhize, SAFA President Kirsten Nematandani, SAFA vice Presidents
Dr Danny Jordaan and Mandla Mazibuko, as well as SAFA CEO Dennis Mumble.
“We
are proud of you. You displayed great sportsmanship. With your excellent
performance you have restored the dignity of Bafana Bafana and of the country.
You did better than many countries that were in this tournament. Do not let
this setback put you down, you went down fighting which is what the people
wanted to see,” said Dr Mkhize.
“You
can build on this going forward; keep it up and well done.”
