Durban – Bafana Bafana proved too strong for Burkina Faso at Ellis Park, beating the Stallions
3-nil in an international friendly.
The South Africans made their intention clear very early in the game with their attacking flair, in front of almost 10 000 spectators.
Burkina Faso’s goal keeper Germain Sanou was put to work within the first five minutes and did well to keep Siboniso Gaxa’s cracker of a shot at bay.
In the first half, Bafana dominated the game with 77% ball possession, so it came as no surprise when Katlego Mphela found the net as early as the 14th minute from a set piece.
Sanou did go in the right direction but failed to stop Mphela’s superb free-kick taken outside the box from going past him.
Bafana Bafana took advantage of the Stallions’ weak defence and showcased some excellent interchanges.
Siphiwe Tshabalala, who was on captain duty, added another goal to the tally just five minutes after being set up by former Ajax Cape Town midfielder, Daylon Claasen.
By the time the first half drew to a close, Bafana proved to be solid in every aspect of the game.
Burkina Faso did not manage a shot at goal in the first half, leaving South Africa’s keeper Itumeleng Khune to have a relatively quiet game. He only sprung into action in the second half.
Khune saved Djakaridja Kone’s shot from outside the box and denied the Stallions yet again when substitute Adama Plange Nii tried to score from the edge.
Mphela captalised on Thulani Serero’s pass to score Bafana’s third goal early into the second half.
A number of changes were made by both teams towards the latter stages of the game. Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane brought on Happy Jele, Bernard Parker, Lehlohonolo Majoro and Tlou Segolela.
Bafana Bafana will travel to Niger for a Group B Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in September. – Kemantha Govender, BuaNews
