Mbule strike enough for Bafana in scrappy win over Ghana ahead of AFCON

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Mbule strike enough for Bafana in scrappy win over Ghana ahead of AFCON

Bafana Bafana beat a second-string Ghana side by a solitary goal on Tuesday in a friendly game staged at the Dobsonville Stadium.

Hugo Broos and SAFA felt it was good for the national team to have a final build-up game ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) that starts on December 21 in Morocco.

Some players were given a chance to prove their worth for the national team before the biennial competition.

Bafana Bafana’s possession pays no dividends in first half

The hosts looked a better team from the first whistle despite coach Hugo Broos starting with fringe players.

However, it was the Black Stars, who had equally come with a second-string side, who had a first chance to threaten inside the first four minutes. Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha brought down Emmanuel Annor, but Prince Owusu couldn’t do much with it.

Mzansi’s chance came in the 10th minute as the West African nation conceded a foul in a promising area in the 10th minute. Despite being in a prime area and unmarked. Sipho Mbule narrowly missed the target with his header thanks to Mohau Nkota’s excellent delivery.

Ricardo Goss was tested in the 15th minute as the lively Annor cut in from the right before finding the target. But the Siwelele FC shot stopper was equal to the task.

The best chance in the first half fell to ‘Master Chef in the 23rd minute as the Ghanaians failed to clear the danger. The former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder just couldn’t find the target.

Mbule strike seals deal

The introduction of Teboho Mokoena in the Bafana Bafana midfield, as well as Oswin Appollis in the wide area explained the early dominance after the pause.

South Africans didn’t wait for long before celebrating a goal in their favour. In the 57th minute, the Black Stars gave away possession in their danger zone – about 40 mitres from goal.

Mbule managed to win the ball before unleashing a sting past Lawrence Osei who was off position.

In the 78th minute, the Black Stars had a massive chance to equalise when substitute Rudolf Mensah went past his markers, beat Sipho Chaine, who had replaced Goss in goal, but the upright denied him.

The Orlando Pirates custodian had to be at his best in the 85th minute to deny Ghana what looked like a certain goal after a deflection from one of the defenders.

In the end, Bafana Bafana claimed a 1-0 win ahead of AFCON where they are scheduled to play Angola in their first Group B game on Monday, December 22.

<!-- 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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