Bafana again lack finishing power

30 March 2015 - 02:01 By Tshepang Mailwane at Mbombela Stadium

This Nigerian team should have been hammered. But we've been here before with Bafana Bafana. And we all know that almost doesn't count. Bafana dominated their friendly international against 2013 Africa Cup of Nations champions Nigeria here yesterday, but yet again they were left to rue missed chances.Russia-based winger Ahmed Musa thought he had sealed another win for Nigeria over Bafana when he scored five minutes from time, but his goal was cancelled out in stoppage time by Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Bongani Zungu as the game finished 1-1.Bafana had a penalty long before Musa's strike, one of many chances they had to take the lead, but Andile Jali's casually taken spot kick on the hour mark was saved.Bafana came into this game on the back of a 3-1 victory over Swaziland last Wednesday, while the Nigerians had been stunned by Uganda at home, losing 1-0.Determined to make up for that defeat, the Super Eagles made a bright start, camping in the Bafana half, although they did not test the home side's goalkeeper, Itumeleng Khune.After spending the first 20 minutes on the ropes, Bafana's nerves disappeared and they started passing the ball around comfortably as midfielders Jali, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Zungu and Thulani Serero combined to create opportunities for the hosts.Serero was enjoying himself on the right wing, using his skills and deft touches to beat the Nigerian defenders.The Ajax Amsterdam midfielder played a key role in one of Bafana's glorious opportunities in the first half, combining with Zungu before the ball fell to striker Tokelo Rantie, whose shot was blocked by Nigeria's Aderemi Balogun before the half-hour mark.You never really know what to expect from Serero. Is his head in the game or is he worried about getting injured? As it turns out, yesterday in the first half, he was impressive.Serero continued to make a nuisance of himself in the second half, and on the hour mark he won a penalty for the hosts after he was brought down in the box.Former Orlando Pirates man Jali stepped up to take the kick, but it was saved by Super Eagles goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi, who was a late inclusion in the Nigerian squad after their No1 goalie, Vincent Enyeama, was ruled out with a back injury.Bafana have no one but themselves to blame for not getting a win here. Nigeria were there for the taking and Shakes Mashaba's players just did not take advantage. Nigeria got one chance and they buried it...

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.