| Goals | Goals |
|---|---|
| 8. Siphiwe Tshabalala (42’) | |
| 0. Tokelo Rantie (68’) | |
| 0. Mzikayise Mashaba (76’) |
Bafana over-run youthful Gabon
South Africa have recorded a first win in
nine matches after a 3-0 success over Gabon in a friendly international on
Friday night.
Bafana Bafana could have won by a greater
margin against a youthful Gabonese side, who were using the match to prepare
their Under-23 side for the London Olympics.
The hosts came into the game needing a win
to avoid a record-equalling ninth match without a win, but a far more positive
selection from caretaker coach Steve Komphela meant they had much more verve
about them.
Indeed, Teko Modise found himself
one-on-one with Didier Ovono in the visitors’ goal on two occasions, but saw
his first effort saved, and the second he wastefully put over the bar.
Punch Masenamela was also thwarted by Ovono
in the opening period, while Tokelo Rantie fired over after being brilliantly
set-up by May Mahlangu.
But the goal South African had been
threatening arrived with three minutes to go to halftime. A free-kick from
25-yards was powerfully struck home by Siphowe Tshabalala, to add to his list
of impressive goals for the national side.
It was much the same in the second period,
South Africa pushing forward and Gabon offering little at the other end.
Their second goal was scored by Rantie on
68 minutes, his first in a national team jersey, after a brilliant throughball
by Thulani Serero.
And it was 3-0 eight minutes later after
more excellent build-up play, this time the veteran Siyabonga Nomvete laying on
a chance for Mzikayise Mashaba and the Free State Stars winger provided a neat
chipped finish.
{message}