By Michael Madyira
Bafana Bafana secured passage into the Africa Cup of Nations knockout phase following Wednesday’s 0-0 draw with Tunisia at Stade Amadou Gon Coulibaly.
Hugi Broos’ men completed their Group E campaign and settled for second position with a point fewer than log leaders Mali who were held 0-0 by Namibia at Stade Laurent Pokou.
It turned out to be a nightmarish tournament for the Tunisians who finished at the foot of this group while Namibia are third with four points, the same as Bafana but fell short on goal difference and head-to-head.
Bafana coach Hugo Broos maintained the team that started and beat Namibia last weekend.
Both teams never posed a real threat to each other in the first half and their respective goalkeepers were never troubled.
Bafana’s first opportunity at goal came after 27 minutes when Evidence Makgopa bizarrely headed wide a Percy Tau cross before Thapelo Morena missed by a whisker from long range.
Mothobi Mvala then closely missed the target with a headed effort on 38 minutes.
The best chance of the contest came in the 76th minute when Siphephelo Sithole’s low drive drew a desperate save from Tunisia goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said.
Shortly after, Teboho Mokoena attempted his trademark long-range but went just wide as Bafana pressed the North Africans.
Bafana kept on probing the Tunisians and Makgopa’s header forced another good save from Ben Said.
Tunisian forward Haythem Jouini almost punished Bafana at the death but headed just over the bar with only Williams to beat.
Bafana held on knowing a point was enough for them to sail through to the Last-16 of Afcon.
Pictured above: Bafana Bafana attacker Percy Tau tries to get past Tunisia defenders Ali Abdi and Montassar Talbi.
Image source: Bafana Bafana
