WEDNESDAY, 8.00PM:
WUNDERKIND Benedict McCarthy has done it again. The sensational young Bafana Bafan striker scored two goals in Wednesday evening’s semifinal match against the Democratic Republic of Congo to see South Africa through to the finals of the African Cup of Nations tournament in Burkina Faso.
South Africa started the first half with a vengeance, but wasted many of their finest opportunities. Strikers Pollen Ndlanya and McCarthy came close on a number of occasions, but their timing was just not sweet enough.
The first half settled down to a thrilling encounter, with both sides not giving an inch. Mark Fish and Lucas Radebe in particular played exceptionally well. Radebe will, however, miss the final after being yellow-carded in the second half. David Nyathi, hero of the quarterfinal will also miss the final after being yellow-carded for handling the ball after a tackle.
Keve Bembuana drew first blood for the DRC two minutes into the first half, scoring from close range after some brilliant interplay by the Congolese forwards. South Africa fought back well, and after a period of sustained pressure, Benni McCarthy let loose a blistering strike that had ‘keeper Mayala saving air.
After the two goals, the second half was bitterly contested, with the Congolese defence proving virtually unbreachable. South Africa attacked and defended with equal vigour, but it was not until the second half of extra time that the breakthrough came.
Seven minutes after the start of the second half of extra time, McCarthy found a sweet cross, and while keeping a defender and the ‘keeper at bay, flicked the ball into the net inches away from the left post.
Bafana Bafana caretaker coach Jomo Sono must now keep his men focused on the task at hand, while he tries to find replacements for stalwarts Radebe and Nyathi. South Africa are now within distance of winning the Nations Cup for a second consecutive time.
Meanwhile, Egypt beat Burkina Faso 2-0 in the second semifinal of the African Cup of Nations in Bobo Dioulassou.
Both the Pharoahs’ goals came courtesy of brilliant striker Hossan Hassam. The shaven-headed Egyptian skipper netted in the 41st and 70th minute, with his two goals placing him level with South African Benni McCarthy on seven goals for top-scorer of the tournament.
The hosts, Burkina Faso, who reached the last four beyond all expectations, had their chances, but could not round off well enough. In the second half the Burkinabe coach, Philippe Troussier, brought on strikers Oumar Barro and Alassane Ouedraogo, but the tactics didn’t work.
Said Troussier, “We may have lost today but we have had a wonderful run in this tournament and it’s not yet over as we have Friday’s third-place play-off. We were in a position of David against Goliath. Unfortunately Goliath won today.”
Troussier will take over from Jomo Sono as Bafana Bafana coach after the Nations Cup tournament.