Bafana Bafana made heavy weather of beating Uganda 2-1 in a hard fought 2006 World Cup and African Cup of Nations group two clash at FNB Stadium, Johannesburg on Saturday. But the win has revitalised South Africa’s hopes of qualifying for a third successive World Cup final. The two soccer showpieces will be played in Germany and Egypt respectively.
Bafana Bafana lead 1-0 at halftime.
South Africa bagged three valuable points and still top their group with 12 points from six matches while ”the Cranes”, who gave a spirited performance, suffered their fourth loss — their second against Bafana who beat them 1-0 in their previous clash in October last year. Uganda are the tailenders of the log.
Quinton Fortune scored Bafana’s first goal in the 19th minute. He converted a penalty from an undeserved spot kick. Fortune’s pass to Sibusiso Zuma, inside the box, was blocked by Kizito Nestroy’s knee but Nigerian refereee, Chukwujekwu Chukwubi, left everybody guessing with his decision when he awarded a penalty.
However, the Ugandans were not demoralised. They equalised in the 62nd minute via the golden boot of Obua David, who sent goalkeeper Hans Vonk in the opposite direction from the penalty spot. This after defender Nassief Morris tripped Serukuma Geof inside the box.
Steven Pienaar, who missed a golden opportunity in the 59th minute, made up for it when he drilled home the winner in the 71st minute.
Bafana may have won but it was a painful experience for some 20 000 local fans who had to hold their breath until the final whistle. The South Africans were disappointing.
Coach Stuart Baxter contradicted himself when he brought on Benny McCarthy for Zuma in 65th minute. Baxter had announced on national television on Friday that it would be unfair of him to field McCarthy ahead of other youngsters.
McCarthy’s inclusion automatically eliminated Sandile Ndlovu of Dynamos. Katlego Mphela, who blasted three goals for Bafana Bafana in their two previous Cosafa Castle Cup matches, also never saw action.
Group winners will qualify for the 2006 World Cup finals and the top three from each pool will also participate in the African Cup of Nations.
Bafana’s decider is an away game against Ghana in July. – Sapa