Bafana Bafana advanced to the COSAFA Cup semi-finals after rallying from behind to defeat Eswatini 2-1 on Tuesday night.
COSAFA Cup
Result: South Africa 2-1 Eswatini
Date: 11 July 2023
Venue: Princes Magogo Stadium
Lesedi Kapinga and Victor Letsoalo were restored to the Bafana line-up after impressing in the second half against Botswana, while Keegan Allan replaced Bonginkosi Makume in the defence.
The two sides are meeting for the first time since 2021 when Bafana claimed a 1-0 win in the group stages, while South Africa are unbeaten against Eswatini in their last five encounters.
Morena Ramorebol's charges enjoyed most of the the possession in the early stages but they had to wait for the 17th minute for their first opening when Letsoalo saw his close-range header saved by goalkeeper Mathabela Sandanezwe.
Eswatini need to better Botswana's result against Namibia to stand any chance of advancing the next round, but they should have been ahead in the 35th minute when Bafana's failure to clear a long throw saw the ball drop to Philani Mkhontfo, who blazed over from close range.
Dominic Kunene's charges ended the first half the stronger of the two sides, but they were let down by the finish just before the break when Bongwa Matsebula sent a wild finish over the top after goalkeeper Jethren Barr failed to clear a corner.
Eswatini carried that momentum into the second half and took the lead in the 51st minute whem Matsebula rilfed into the roof of the net after Bafana failed to clear their lines in the box.
The hosts went close to pulling themsevles level in the 67th minute as Iqraam Rayners doid well weave his way into the box before unleashing a low strike that sailed inches wide of the upright.
Coach Ramoreboli responded with three changes for Bafana a minute later, as Shaune Mogaila, Tshegofatso Mabasa and and Tebogo Tlolane replaced Thabo Cele, Letsoalo and Human.
The changes paid off for Ramoreboli and the South Africans, who drew themselves back on level terms in the 77th minute as Mabasa found the back of the net with a powerful strike from distance.
Bafana completed the turnaround with two minutes to go as Mabasa completed his brace by turning home a low pass from Rayners, which sealed top spot in Group A and a place in the semi-finals.
Here's how they lined up:
South Africa: Barr, Sikhakhane, Allan, Mohamme, Mthethwa, Human, Lakay, Cele, Letsoalo, Kaping, Rayners
Eswatini: Mathebela, Msibi, Mamba, Silenge, Thwala, Mabelesa, Matse, Dlamini, P. Mkhonto, Bongwa, M.Mkhonto.
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