The new-look Bafana Bafana made up mostly of young players finally scored a goal on Monday to beat visiting Ghana in the World Cup qualifier at the empty FNB stadium.
The win was well deserved considering the Zambian linesman wrongly ruled Percy Tau’s first-half goal as an offside.
Replays clearly showed that Tau was onside when the pass was delivered.
Covid-19 protocols meant no fans were allowed in the stadium – a lucky situation for the linesman, who would have endured a torrid time for his wrong call.
Bafana’s Evidence Makgopa missed the easiest of chances in the second half when Ghana’s goalkeeper Richard Ofori missed the ball and let it slip between his legs.
When it seemed easier to score than to miss, Makgopa somehow directed the ball away from the empty goal.
Bongokuhle Hlongwane’s 83rd-minute goal was enough for Bafana to top Group G with four points from two games.
Ghana are second with three points. Senior players like Ayew seemed content to argue with the ref than to help Ghana get ahead. The Black Stars only managed three attempts at goal.
Bottom-placed Ethiopia and third-placed Zimbabwe play on Tuesday.
Bafana’s new coach Hugo Broos has selected a team of young players and already there are signs he may have the Midas touch.
The first game against Zimbabwe on Friday was a tentative affair that ended in a goalless draw, but things improved vastly on Monday.
Bafana created at least five clear-cut chances to score and managed to keep a clean sheet against Ghana’s Black Stars.
