Bafana Bafana made heavy weather of beating Uganda 1-0 in a hard-fought World Cup Group 2 clash played at the Mandela National Stadium on Sunday. But the win has revitalised South Africa’s hopes of qualifying for a third successive World Cup final.
There was no score at half-time.
Benni McCarthy scored the only goal from a 63rd-minute penalty. Had the South Africans taken their chances, they could have won this match much easier than the scoreline suggests.
Bafana took the initiative from the kick-off and it was the Ugandans who were under pressure from the start.
FC Porto striker McCarthy tested ‘keeper Postnet Omwony with a well-struck rocket that Omwony managed to block and push out of trouble in the seventh minute.
McCarthy was again in the thick of the action when he latched on to a great ball from Sibusiso Zuma but even with a free header, McCarthy — who won a European Champions League winners medal with his Portuguese club last season — failed to find the target after 16 minutes.
There were, however, encouraging signs for Bafana. Zuma shot wide in the 21st minute.
However, the Ugandans found their way and it took a breath-taking save from South Africa’s goalkeeper, Hans Vonk, to deny Assani Bakope a goal with a blistering 25m rocket in the 34th minute.
The visitors looked to be tiring as the half came to a close. But Bafana appeared the sharper side after a half-time pep talk by coach Stuart Baxter.
McCarthy forced the Cranes ‘keeper to make another good save in the 58th minute. Then referee Michel Gasingwa awarded Bafana their penalty in the 63rd minute when Tyren Arendse was fouled inside the penalty area.
McCarthy coolly strode up and slotted home the vital spot kick. A minute later the Cranes ‘keeper did well yet again to deny Zuma a goal with a well-directed shot.
But Bafana started to panic and needed the calming influence of Dutch-based goalkeeper Vonk, who kept a cool head at the back and did well to stop Cranes striker David Obua from scoring in the 71st minute. Two minutes later Vonk foiled substitute Hassan Mubiriu as the home side looked desperately for the equaliser that they did not deserve.
A minute later, Arendse wasted a chance to make the game safe but in a one-on-one situation with Omwony, the Orlando Pirates striker shot straight at the ‘keeper.
Bafana’s Benedict Vilakazi was fractionally wide on 90 minutes and in injury time McCarthy hit the woodwork as the visitors kept going forward, looking for the second goal. — Sapa