/ 22 January 2006

Bafana start African Nations Cup with loss

Substitutes Sambegou Bangoura and Ousmane Bangoura scored a goal each in the last 13 minutes on Sunday to help Guinea beat South Africa 2-0 in group C of the African Nations Cup.

Guinea were the more dangerous of the two teams in the first half and came close on several occasions, but Kaba Diawara and Ismael Bangoura spurned their chances.

In the 32nd minute, Diwara missed Bangoura’s deflected shot as Guinea continued to apply pressure.

In the 41st minute, South Africa failed to clear Pascal Feindounou’s free kick, and the defence frantically scrambled before finally clearing their lines.

Guinea continued to pressure in the second half, but were unable to take advantage of any of their numerous chances.

Bafana Bafana showed a marked improvement in the last half-hour of the match, creating some chances but without really threatening.

South Africa’s best chance came in the 73rd minute when Benni McCarthy should have scored after Guinea goalkeeper Naby Diarso spilled the ball on the goal line, but he recovered it in the nick of time.

Guinea had to wait until the 77th minute to score. Bangoura sent Ibrahima Bangoura’s cross in front of the goal, and a deflection helped it into the net.

Guinea put the match beyond reach in the 88th minute when Ousmane Bangoura scored from outside the penalty box. — Sapa-AP