Bafana Bafana crashed out of the 2013 Afcon tournament, losing 3-1 on spot-kicks to Mali, after the match had ended 1-all in regulation and extra time. But while most may looked to Dean Furman, May Mahlangu and Lehohonolo Majoro’s spot-kick misses as what saw Bafana’s Afcon dream fade away, it must be noted that the Bafana players played like soldiers who were prepared to die on the field for the nation.
For far too long, the country has failed to plan beyond the starting line-up of the following game, while many other footballing countries – whose football powers have the best interest of football at heart – put in place 4, 8 and 10 year-long plans to conquer the world.
These players, despite the odds stacked against them, have proven that this country is richly talented and if taken good care of, could take on the world … let alone Africa!
Bafana Bafana looked to have shed the nerves they had early on in the group stages when they took the game to Mali early on in the first half. Reneilwe Letsholonyane and Dean Furman won most of the battles in the midfield, resulting in the host team dominating ball possession.
These players, despite the odds stacked against them, have proven that this country is richly talented and this talent, if taken good care of, could take on the world … let alone Africa!
With mobile Bernard Parker and Tokelo Rantie spearheading the attack, Bafana looked menacing going forward, calling the Malian goalkeeper, Soumbeila Diakite to duty on several occasions. It came as no surprise when Orlando Pirates striker Tokelo Rantie broke the ice on the half-hour mark. Like a skilled thief, the bulky striker prowled predatorily on the far post and tapped home a Thuso Phala square pass.
The goal seemed to have dealt major psychological blow to the Malian players who began to look frustrated and failed to find each other. As a result, Bafana continued to be in the driving seat for the remainder of the half.
However, Mali came back a much recharged side in the second half and made clear their intentions to get an equaliser early on. Mahamadou Samassa finally exposed Siboniso Gaxa on Bafana’s right side, sending in a cross that found Seydou Keita unmarked in the box. With his well-documented experience, the former Barcelona star made no mistake heading the ball past Khune.
Keita continued to prove why he was a member of the arguably the best team in the world (Barcelona), when his presence in the midfield made things difficult for Bafana Bafana.
For a while, it looked like Mali would get a second goal with Gaxa looking very wobbly at right back, allowing Samassa to whip in some dangerously-looking crosses.
But Bafana players continued to show some sterling character, refusing to accept Mali’s dominance forcing the game into the extra time.
Simphiwe Tshabalala finally came on for Bernard Parker in the extra time and seemed to revive the Bafana’s midfield.
With no decisive goal coming to separate the two teams, the match was finally forced into the dreaded spot-kicks.
Tshabalala stepped up to take the first spot-kick and sent Diakite the wrong way to put Bafana ahead. However, that was the only ball Bafana would convert into a goal with Furman and Mahlangu’s attempts being parried away by Diakite. Ending SA’s Afcon dream, Majoro shot wide, much to the excitement of the Malian side whose semifinal berth was confirmed right then.
However, Bafana will certainly look back to their participation in the tournament with pride and hope that they can carry the same form into the 2014 Fifa World Cup qualifiers later this year.
As for Mali, they will wait for the match between Ivory Coast and Nigeria tomorrow with bated breath. The winner of that match will meet Mali in the semifinals of the tournament to determine whether Mali goes through to the finals.
– By Sipho Kekana
