Sipho Mbule’s second half strike was enough to propel South Africa to a narrow 1-0 win over Ghana in their final pre-AFCON friendly game at the Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto, Johannesburg.
Coach Hugo Broos for South Africa rested most of his key players including highly-rated goalie Ronwen Williams, Teboho Mokoena, Mbekezeli Mbokazi all watching on from the bench
On the other hand, Kassim Mingle had skipper Razak Simpson make the cut alongside Ebenezer Abban, Isaac Afful, Salim Adams, Prince Owusu and others with Heart of Lions goalie Lawrence Osei taking the mantle in goal
The Bafana Bafanas made a very explosive start to the game and consistently were the better side right from the start and made some incursions but the solid back line of Ghana contained and were unfazed by those attacks.
While Etse Dogli, Kusi Asante and Salim Adams were holding the midfield well, Emmanuel Annor was the real tormentor in attack with his runs and skill set making it difficult for the South Africans to handle
In the second half, the Bafana Bafanas finally opened the scoring account in the 58th minute courtesy Orlando Pirates midfielder Sipho Mbule who struck from distance.
In the 70th minute, Emmanuel Annor was through with a great pass from midfield but a timed tackle from Tholo Matuludi rescued the situation.
Seven minutes later, Swedru All Blacks striker Rudolf Mensah who came off the bench came very close to leveling the score after controlling a great long ball from Simpson but his effort went off the post. So unlucky
It ended 1-0 for South Africa who will finally wrap up their preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations which commences this weekend in Morocco.
The Bafana Bafanas have been drawn in Group B alongside Egypt, Angola and Zimbabwe.
