Bafana Bafana beat Paraguay 3-0

Parreira's Bafana Bafana won 3-0 against Paraguay today

South Africa recorded their first-ever win against a South American team when they beat Paraguay 3-0 in an international friendly played at the Super Stadium in Atteridgeville today.

A superb volley just after the half-hour mark by Surprise Moriri paved the way for Bafana Bafana's first victory against South American opponents.

McCarthy on top form
Benni McCarthy nodded home two minutes into the second half to seal a well-deserved win against the 26th placed Paraguayans. Both goals were created by Tshepo Masilela but Siphiwe Tshabalala's 63rd minute goal was the pick of the bunch.

The Kaizer Chiefs midfielder played a neat one-two with McCarthy and struck the ball superbly over the hapless Paraguay keeper.

Bafana Bafana started rapidly, with Orlando Pirates playmaker Teko Modise dictating matters in midfield. Modise rattled the crossbar with a thunderous strike and pulled a shot wide - all in the first 10 minutes.

Bryce Moon and Masilela were energetic on the right and left flanks respectively, both used their blistering speed to effect. McCarthy missed a sitter from eight yards out from a Moon cross, nevertheless Bafana pressed on.

Cruz forced to leave field due to injury
Paraguay chased shadows as Modise knocked the ball around comfortably, ably assisted by Davids and Kagisho Dikgacoi in midfield. McCarthy's Blackburn Rovers team-mate, Roque Santa Cruz, flashed a header wide but after 21 minutes, the tall striker was forced to leave the field limping after SA skipper and fellow Blackburn team-mate Aaron Mokoena went in too hard on the tackle.

Masilela continued probing down the left and, on the half-hour, he beat two defenders, crossed to the far post and Moriri complemented his good work with a chest-drop and a volley of the highest quality. The Mamelodi Sundowns man was composed and unmarked as he fired the ball in to the back of the net.

The hosts took their slender lead in to the break.

McCarthy was lively upfront and made good touches but was closely marked throughout the first half. Two minutes into the second stanza and the former Seven Stars striker beat two markers to nod home Masilela's pin-point cross.

Paraguay looked stunned and had no reply as Mokoena and company were stable in defence and Modise too busy in midfield for the jaded South Americans.

It was all Bafana Bafana now. Dikgacoi and Davids industrious work in the heart of midfield increased and this gave Tshabalala and Modise the freedom to attack. Tshabalala exchanged passes with McCarthy and then expertly lofted the ball over the Paraguay keeper to make it 3-0.

There was a slight sense of urgency in the visitors play as they pressed forward but it was not enough to breach the resolute Bafana Bafana defence with Itumeleng Khune hardly tested in goal. The Chiefs number one made routine saves but it was in attack that the hosts were better and thoroughly deserved this notable victory.
- Sapa