By Michael Madyira
Bafana Bafana’s 2024 Cosafa Cup winless run continued following Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Botswana in a Group A match at Isaac Wolfson Stadium.
Helman Mkhalele’s boys struggled the entire afternoon especially upfront as Botswana did well to frustrate them.
That leaves South Africa with two points from as many games after a 1-1 draw with Mozambique in their tournament opener.
It also leaves Group A wide open with no team having collected maximum points after Mozambique and Eswatini played to a goalless affair earlier on Saturday.
All teams in this pool go into their respective final group games needing a win to advance to the next round.
Bafana coach Mklhalele made one change to the team that started against Mozambique, bringing in central midfielder Liam Bern for Brooklyn Poggenpooel.
Their opponents had Gape Thibedi dropped to the bench while Thabi Babutsi was in the line-up while defender Obakeng Senono made way for Tawana Mbakile.
It was a slow start to the match and it took 23 minutes for Bafana to come close to scoring when Gadinkame Modise’ freekick drew the best out of Botswana goalkeeper Victor James.
Botswana’s best chance of the match came on the hour mark when substitute Gape Thibedi shot wide while facing an empty next after Bafana goalkeeper Mondli Mpoto was off his goal area.
Then with four minutes to go, Thabang Sibanyoni could not turn into goal a cross from Asanele Velebayi when he only had James to beat.
The Zebras managed to continue frustrating South Africans until the last minute; and their midfielder Olebogeng Ramotse was named man of the match.
Bafana now prepare to meet Eswatini in their final group game while Botswana face Mozambique.
Pictured above: Bafana Bafana midfielder Liam Bern tries to get past Botswana forward Molaodi Tlhalefang
Image source: Cosafa
