Veteran goalkeeper John Tlale was the hero and villain as South Africa pipped Tanzania 4-3 on penalties on Saturday to finish third in a four-nation tournament.
Tlale, a member of the 1996 African Nations Cup-winnng squad, spilled a shot from Emmanuel Morris with two minutes of normal time left to gift Tanzania a 1-1 draw.
Substitute Tsepo Ntsoane, another long-serving player in a
makeshift South Africa side, put them ahead after 73 minues at a sun-drenched National Stadium, flicking the ball in from close range.
Each country converted three of their mandatory five kicks and after Fees Moloi edged South Africa ahead again, Morris had his effort acrobatically pushed away by Tlale.
The dramatic climax in the Indian Ocean city compensated a
modest crowd for much lacklustre fare as chances were squandered by both teams through woeful shooting.
After losing to Kenya on penalties in the midweek semi-finals, South Africa began like a team desperate to regain its pride with Frank Makua and Moloi going close early on.
Tanzania came closest to breaking the first-half deadlock when defender Tony Coyle backed off Thomas Mashala, allowing the striker to get in a shot that was just off target.
Tlale, who recently stepped down from Premier League to first division football, had a let off midway through the second half, spilling a Mashala shot before regaining possession in a goalmouth scramble.
South Africa had more shots, corners and yellow cards while
defending champions Tanzania conceded more fouls and had the territorial advantage without using it to great effect.
Uganda face Kenya later Saturday in a final that brings together two in-form East African teams. – Sapa-AFP