Defending champions Bafana Bafana crashed out of the Cosafa Cup after being beaten by Mozambique in a penalty shootout after it had ended goalless in their quarter-final on Wednesday evening.
It was the first game of the tournament for Helman Mkhalele’s young South African team, who was made up of U23 players.
Keletso Sifama had Bafana’s first shot of the game, but his attempt from the left side of the Mozambique box sailed past the post in the 12th minute.
Mozambique captain Edmilson Dove came close to opening the score in the 23rd minute but his shot from outside the box only touched the outside of Lincoln Vyver’s post.
Despite a bright start, both sides didn’t have much else to show in the final third, as the match remained deadlocked at half-time.
Thapelo Maseko had Bafana’s first attempt in the second half, cutting in from the right side to unleash a long-range shot with his left foot but it was too central and easily saved by Ernan in the 55th minute.
Six minutes later, Boitumelo Radiopane had a chance to write his name on the scoresheet but his shot flew over the bar.
Bafana piled on more pressure in the second half, especially via Maseka’s right side but a dangerous cross by the SuperSport winger was cleared at the last minute.
Mozambique weathered the storm and had a decent chance via a header in the 80th minute, but it flew over the crossbar.
However, both sides couldn’t be separated inside the 90 minutes and the game headed to penalties, where Bafana’s young guns failed in the shootout, losing 5-4.
