Chiefs Starlet Leads Bafana To Win

Bafana Bafana bounced back at the Cosafa Cup as they beat Madagascar 2-1 in their Plate Section semi-final at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium on Friday afternoon.

Bafana were relegated to the Plate Section (to decide places fifth to eighth) after losing on penalties to Mozambique in the quarter-finals.

It was a slow start by the young South African team, and it was the Malagasy team who had a few good early chances, Lincoln Vyver making a good save in the tenth minute to deny the islanders.

But Bafana began to show signs of promise, with a few good build-ups but were let down by decision-making in the final third.

But the deadlock was broken in the 22nd minute, with Bafana’s first shot in earnest, as Kaizer Chiefs youngster Keletso Sifama was on hand to coolly finish from close range after an excellent cross from debutant Chumani Butsaka.

Ten minutes later Sifama had another good chance, but this time his powerful effort was saved by Madagascar’s goalkeeper Bastia Eddit.

In the 40th minute, Bafana captain Kegan Johannes had a half chance but his header went straight to the goalkeeper. Just before the break, Butsaka thought he had a penalty after being brought down in the box, but the referee waved play on and at half-time, it remained 1-0.

Bafana started the second half well, unlocking the Malagasy defence on a number of occasions, but let themselves down in the final third, Thapelo Maseko rounding the goalkeeper in the 50th minute, but then unfortunately the move sizzled out.

Madagascar were resorting to long-range efforts, and Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa shot over in the 54th minute. Four minutes later they were awarded a dangerous free kick on the edge of the area, but the wall did its job to block the attempt.

While Bafana continued to control the game, with just the one goal lead Madagascar’s hopes were kept alive, and there were a few dangerous moments as Tendry Randrianarijaona shot wide in the 70th minute, while four minutes later Vyver made a big save to deny substitute Doda Rafanomezantsoa at close range.

The game was wrapped up in the 85th minute, as Butsaka scored on debut with an excellent finish, with an assist from substitute Boitumelo Radiopane.

Vyver made another good save a minute later, but he was unable to keep a clean sheet as Madagascar pulled one back in the 87th minute, Tsilavina Fanomezantsoa leaving Vyver with no chance.

Substitute Ethan Brooks went close to adding a third in the 89th minute, but Eddit saved at close range to keep the scoreline 2-1, which is how it ended as the final whistle was blown despite some late pressure from Madagascar.

A good win for Bafana, with goals from Sifama and Cape Town Spurs starlet, Butsaka, who had been linked to a move to Chiefs earlier this year.

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