Bafana Beat Malawi To Claim The COSAFA Bronze Medal

Rising star Rowan Human, who is a wanted man, scored the winning penalty as Bafana Bafana’s makeshift squad won 5-3 on penalties in the bronze medal match of the COSAFA Cp at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday.

The game went to penalties after neither side was able to score in the 90 minute regulation time.

Lyle Lakay, Shaune Mogaila, Iqraam Rayners, Tshegofatso Mabasa were others who converted their spot kicks.

Malawi, who have been good in this competition, saw Jamaca Kunwembe miss, blasting off the crossbar.

He couldn’t capitalise on Chawangana Kaonga, Lawrence Chaziya and Aaron Lloyd, who tucked theirs away.  

As Bafana won the bronze, it was the second time in recent times as they also beat Malawi on penalties in the 2019 edition at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.  

Mzansi, to be fair, should have wrapped the game in regulation time as they created plenty of chances.

Mabasa, in 23^rd minute, was presented with a great chance, taking the ball with his stride and having eye balls to eye balls with Malawi goalie Brighton Munthali, the soon-to-be Swallows striker’s shot was blocked.

It was then Human who had a sight at goal but again Munthali came up trumps to deny him.

Malawi, through Patrick Mwalungulu, almost hit back from free kick and Olwethu Mzimela had to get his angle right to palm the free kick away for a corner.

Tebogo Tlolane, who just like Tshegofatso Mabasa has to sort out his future with Orlando Pirates, was another before half time denied by Munthali, who dived to his right to block a shot.

Thembela Sikhakhane, as one of the three subs along with Lakay and Rayners just before the second half started, almost set up the latter to open the scoring but the ball came off the upright.

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Both sides continued to have a go at each other but no one goal was found, leading the penalties to be the deciding factor and it is where Human calmly slotted.  

Lesotho and Zambia are up next for the 2023 COSAFA Cup final at the very same venue (18:00).