Bafana see Stars

Shakes Mashaba was wearing his lucky shirt.

But the Bafana Bafana coach will have to do his laundry at home in South Africa after his side failed to hold on to their slim lead - or add to it - to qualify for the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Although they had been the talk of the town throughout thanks to their attacking play, they were again let down by not finding the back of the net when they so desperately needed to.

Ghana came from behind to beat them 2-1 last night and book their place in the quarterfinals as runners-up in Group C at their expense. Bafana Bafana finished bottom of the group.

Bafana had scored in the second half of their two games against Algeria and Senegal.

But last night Mandla Masango - making his first appearance at the tournament - found the opener with a dipping volley to beat Ghana goalkeeper Braimah Razak.

Masango's long-range stunner had restored confidence that Bafana could progress past the "group of death".

Although the early lead eased the tension, Bafana were to soon give it up like they have done in their previous two Afcon games.

In the 72nd minute, substitute John Boye levelled matters - a result that would have seen both teams head home.

But Ghana pulled themselves up by their own bootstraps and dangerman Andre Ayew struck the winner 12 minutes later.

Bafana never had their fate in their hands coming into this clash. What was even more disappointing was the fact that they hardly played like a side with that bit of information in mind.

They only needed to add to Masango's first-half goal and keep a clean sheet, especially after Algeria had twice breached the Senegal defence in Malabo in the other Group C clash.

But Bafana ditched all that enterprising play and opted for aimless long balls that never found the target.

Mashaba's starting lineup had not inspired. He had made four changes, bringing in goalkeeper Brilliant Khuzwayo, defender Rivaldo Coetzee, winger Masango and striker Bongani Ndulula.

Upfront Bafana did need some fresh thinking. But perhaps Mashaba had made the wrong move in giving Ndulula his first start in the Afcon.

Masango's only contribution was that well-taken goal he will remember for some time, while Ndulula had a match to never discuss again.

* In the other Group C match, Algeria secured their spot in the quarterfinals thanks to a 2-0 win against Senegal in their last Group C game in Malabo.

Riyad Mahrez set Algeria on their way with the opening goal inside 11 minutes, and for a long time it looked as if both sides would be heading through to the last eight.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Nabil Bentaleb then produced a superb finish to double the lead eight minutes from time to seal a berth in the knockout stage for Christian Gourcuff's men.