Bafana beat Zimbabwe in friendly

Bafana Bafana needed an own goal to beat Zimbabwe 2-1

Bafana Bafana have beaten Zimbabwe 2-1 in a friendly international match at the Germiston Stadium.

Gilbert Mushangazhike scored first for the visitors in the 12th minute. Sthembiso Ngcobo equalised for Bafana in the 73rd minute. An own goal by Zimbabwe defender James Matola late in extra time gave the hosts victory.

Meanwhile, Benni McCarthy is back in the Bafana Bafana squad. The Blackburn Rovers striker is part of the 22-man squad that will face Paraguay in an international friendly at the Super Stadium in Atteridgeville on March 26.

Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has also recalled seven overseas-based players with the rest coming from the PSL. Itumeleng Khune and Moneeb Josephs keep their places but there is no space for Rowen Fernandez.

Bongani Khumalo of Supersport United impressed in defence against Zimbabwe last night and could earn his second cap, but Benson Mhlongo of Mamelodi Sundowns misses out. Steven Pienaar returns to the side after missing the last match in the Africa Cup of Nations tournament due to injury.

Excellent Walaza could get a look in the senior side where Sibusiso Zuma has been given a miss.