Bafana Bafana booked their place at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cote D’Ivoire after beating Liberia 2-1 at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Monrovia on Tuesday evening.
After surrendering a two-goal lead in Friday’s 2-2 draw at the Orlando Stadium, this match became a must-win for Hugo Broos’ team, as Bafana and Liberia competed for the second-qualification spot from Group K. Morocco had already assured their place after victories in Casablanca over both Bafana and Liberia last year.
Broos made five changes to the team, and it was a steady start in front of a packed partisan ground, Liberia’s first home game in their country for three years.
Teboho Mokoena’s long-range effort in the 13th minute was hit in the right direction, but lacked power and was easily dealt with by Tommy Songo’s, as Bafana tried to adapt to the artificial turf.
Drafted in for Lyle Foster, Zakhele Lepasa opened the scoring for Bafana, racing through the defence onto Thapelo Morena’s ball, and controlling well, before slotting past Songo’s in the 19th minute.
The goal silenced the crowd, but their noise levels returned when Liberia drew level in the 33rd minute, as captain William Jebor was given too much time and fired in from long range. While Ronwen Williams got a touch, the ball bounced into the goal.
With a few decisions not going the visitors’ way, an outburst on the bench led to Bafana team manager Vincent Tseka being shown a red card.
Just before half-time, Liberia were awarded a free kick in a dangerous area, but Mohammed Kamara fired over Williams’ goal. Two minutes later, Kamara fired in a low effort, and Williams made the save this time. 1-1 at the break.
It was an edgy start to the second half, with both teams trying to wrestle control of the momentum.
But Bafana were back in the lead in the 53rd minute, Mihlali Mayambela, who started the attacking move, was on hand to tap in from close range, after Songo’s was only able to parry a cross from Percy Tau.
The Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium was hushed.
Percy Tau had a chance from a free kick in a good position in the 57th minute, but his curling effort was straight at Songo’s.
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Bafana looked to manage the game going forward, but almost added to the scoreline in the 74th minute, as Liberia managed to clear substitute Bongokuhle Hlongwane’s cross that was trying to find another sub Cassius Mailula.
Liberia piled on the pressure in the dying minutes and there was a brief scare in the 83rd minute as Liberia tried to find the equaliser with a goalmouth scramble, but desperate defending and quick reflexes from Williams saved the day.
Using the long throw as a weapon on the narrow pitch, Liberia threw all they had, but Bafana stood strong under the pressure.
It was a long four minutes of injury time, with the Lone Stars’ fans praying for a miracle, and it almost happened, but Williams made a crucial save from close range with two minutes to go.
Finally the final whistle blew and Bafana’s ticket to the Afcon finals was booked.
Bafana will host Morocco in June in their final group game.
