By Michael Madyira
Mozambique came from behind to restrict Bafana Bafana to a 1-1 draw in a Cosafa Cup Group A clash at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Wednesday.
South Africa had taken a 39th minute lead through Rushwin Dortley before the Mambas substitute Chamito Alfandega made it one apiece on 65 minutes.
It was a slow start to the tournament by Bafana who began the match promising to go on a rampage but fizzled out when their neighbours settled into the game.
South Africa coach Helman Mkhalele fielded a new-look side captained by Cape Town Spurs midfielder Dortley, with Mamelodi Sundowns’ Thabang Sibanyoni leading the attack.
Their neighbours were handed a blow just before the match when Kaizer Chiefs withdrew defender Edmilson Dove.
A frantic start to the contest by Bafana saw Asanele Velebayi’s headed effort crashing against the crossbar as early as the third minute.
The Mambas had their first realistic chance at goal on 25 minutes when captain Dario almost caught Bafana goalkeeper Mondli Mpoto off his line with a long range which which forced the Royal AM custodian pull a desperate save.
Sibanyoni then nearly gave the hosts the lead but had Mozambique goalkeeper Valter Dauce blocking his shot in a one-on-one situation.
But Dortley broke the deadlock after neatly connecting a low cross from Ethan Brooks.
Mozambique were always threatening and were duly rewarded when Alfandega rose from the bench to unleash a thunderbolt from outside the box which game Mpoto no chance.
Some valiant defending by the Mambas kept the scoreline one-all and in one incident right at the death, Osama Pedro cleared the ball to thwart danger from a charging Sinoxolo Kwayiba.
Meanwhile earlier in the day in another Group A match, Eswatini and Botswana played to a 0-0 draw at the same venue.
That leaves this pool wide open with all teams having a point each.
Pictured above: Bafana Bafana defender Sinoxolo Kwayiba challenged by Mozambique captain Dario.
Image source: Cosafa
