By Michael Madyira
It was a drab affair at Orlando Stadium on Saturday as Namibia held Bafana Bafana to a 0-0 draw in their international friendly.
The hosts lacked the sting upfront, especially after enjoying a huge share of possession in the second half.
Bafana coach Hugo Broos started an unfamiliar line-up as he tried to assess those who usually just make his bench and they had an opportunity to raise their hands up.
Kobalemo Kodisang and Orlando Pirates defender Thabiso Monyane were handed their senior national team debuts as Grant Margeman played under the Belgian coach for the first time ever.
Before the match, Broos insisted the match was not result-oriented but he could be worried by the lack of goals as he is looking for sharp forwards ahead of January’s Africa Cup of Nations finals.
Namibia missed injured Mamelodi Sundowns striker Peter Shalulile but had some Premier Soccer League stars like Orlando Pirates’ Deon Hotto, Riaan Hanamub and Ananias Gebhardt.
The visitors had Bethuel Muzeu breaking loose after just three minutes but was let down by his shooting.
Two minutes later Bathusi Aubaas drew a fine save from Chippa United’s Lloyd Kazapua in goal for the Namibians after a feed by Lyle Foster from the left.
Bafana captain of the day Siyanda Xulu had to clear danger almost on the goalline after goalkeeper Veli Mothwa could not completely save Prins Tjiueza’s shot on 24 minutes.
Foster’s threat continued to be felt by the Brave Warriors who had Kazapua stretch his leg to avert danger when Monnapule Saleng had connected a cross from the Burnley star.
Broos then pulled out Foster at halftime for Lebo Mothiba who featured for Bafana for the first time since 2019 while Mlungisi Mbunjana earned his first South Africa cap after coming on for Sphephelo Sithole.
All that Namibia did in the second half was defend and successfully limited the hosts from doing anything meaningful in the final third.
Broos’ men almost grabbed a late winner but Kazapua was alert to tip over the bar Grant Kekana’s looping header.
Bafana will now play DR Congo in another friendly match on Tuesday at the same venue.
Pictured above: Bafana Bafana line up against Namibia
Image source: Bafana Bafana
