Bafana Bafana closer to CHAN quarters as Maema inspires them to win over Guinea

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Bafana Bafana closer to CHAN quarters as Maema inspires them to win over Guinea

South Africa survived a late scare to beat Guinea 2-1 on Monday in Group C's CHAN game played on Monday in Kampala, Uganda.

Molefi Ntseki's men started their campaign with a 1-1 draw against favourites Algeria in Group C.

They were up versus the National Elephants, who had started their journey at the tournament with a 1-0 win over Niger before a 3-0 loss to hosts Uganda in their second match.

Bright start for Bafana Bafana

South Africa managed to hold their opponents from getting an early goal despite a flurry of attacks in the initial exchanges. Resolute defending paid dividends in the 10th minute as Guinea were caught on the break.

The long ball was not cleared well and it fell to Thabiso Kutumela who set up his captain Neo Maema fro a good finish.

Guinea could have equalised in the 28th minute when shambolic defending allowed a loose ball to find its way to Alhassane Bangoura, but his rocket missed the target by inches.

The West African nation leveled matters in the 38th minute after a sleek move ended with captain Mohamed Bangoura squaring the ball for Moussa Camara to beat Samukelo Xulu.

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder could have scored his team's second in the 43rd minute, but he failed to convert Wayde Jooste's cross with the goal at his mercy.

Kutumela wins it for Bafana Bafana

It took Bafana Bafana seven minutes after the break to get their second goal; Maema spotted the advancing Jooste, passed the ball to him, and the right-back's low cross was well struck by Kutumela to make it 2-1.

Maema was in an inspired form and could have easily completed his brace in the 60th minute after being teed up by former Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Keagan Dolly. However, he tried to be too clever in the box; instead of taking a first-time shot, he tried to get around Bangali Cisse, who recovered on time to clear the danger.

In the 76th minute, Bafana Bafana's defense was caught napping, allowing Ismail Kamara to get into the danger zone undetected. However, he totally failed to guide home a good cross from the right by Aboubacar Bangoura.

Bafana Bafana survived a huge scare with two minutes to go, a deflected cross by Mohamed Bangoura hit the crossbar, and the rebound kindly fell on the path of Mohamed Diabate, who failed to hit the target.

It eventually ended 2-1 despite the late pressure by Guinea; South Africa have four points now in Group C from two matches, while Guinea have three from as many matches.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

Author

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.

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