OWN CORRESPONDENT, Luanda | Sunday 7.15pm.
ANGOLA spurned three late chances as they drew 2-2 with South Africa in a thrilling African Nations Cup Group 4 qualifying match at the Citadela Stadium in Luanda on Sunday.
Betinho and Salvador Avelino shot over and goalkeeper Hans Vonk tipped a Osvaldo da Cruz header away as Angola tried to finish a disappointing campaign on a high note.
South Africa and Gabon reached the 2000 finals after home victories over Mauritius and Angola respectively this month, reducing the final matches to battles for pride.
The visitors entered the match under pressure following a 1-0 midweek loss at home to Zimbabwe in a friendly match to celebrate the inauguration of President Thabo Mbeki.
After a drab opening half of few scoring opportunities on a bumpy pitch, Bafana Bafana (The Boys) took control and scored twice within five minutes through Helman Mkhalele and Daniel Mudau.
Goalkeeper Fernando Morais was unlucky with the first as a volley from Mkhalele took a deflection while Mudau finished off an excellent move involving David Nyathi and Pollen Ndlanya.
Brazilian coach Djalma Cavalcante introduced two Angolan substitutes and the impact was immediate with Francisco Fernando and Avelino punishing slack marking to score midway through the second half.
Fernando had time and space to head a Da Cruz cross past Vonk and Avelino burst between two statuesque defenders to steer the ball over the Dutch-based goalkeeper.
Impressive South African midfielder Thabo Mngomeni wasted a good chance off a Nyathi free kick before a final flurry of Angolan attacks almost brought a sensational victory.
It was the fourth meeting of the Southern Africa countries in the Nations Cup since 1996 with Bafana Bafana winning two by a solitary goal and drawing the others. — AFP
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