Bafana eclipse Ghana's Black Stars
New coach Pitso "Jingles" Mosimane could not have asked for a better start as Bafana Bafana gunned down the West Africans 1-0 on a chilly night at the 2010 World Cup venue.
Mamelodi Sundowns ace forward Katlego "Killer" Mphela scored in the 41st minute
South Africa 1 Ghana 0
MANY South Africans must have asked themselves: "What if we had played like this in the 2010 World Cup?"
This was definitely better football dished out under new coach Mosimane, who took over from Carlos Alberto Parreira.
The Black Stars, who won the hearts of the during their fairytale World Cup run with their courageous display, were not afforded the same neighbourliness against a plucky Bafana side last night.
The fans spurred the local lads on and no wonder Ghana struggled to settle down early.
Mamelodi Sundowns ace forward Katlego "Killer" Mphela scored the only goal of the match in the 41st minute after being denied twice by Ghanaian goalkeeper Daniel Agyei from good positions.
He received a well-weighed pass from Steven Pienaar before beating the somewhat befuddled Agyei.
Had Pienaar, whose wizardry in the midfield was top drawer stuff, played the same way in the World Cup, Bafana would not have set all kinds of embarrassing records.
His pass to Mphela for the goal, in particular, needed exceptional vision.
While Ghana came out stronger in the second half, Schillo still conducted proceedings like no other man on the field.
And Mosimane showed his hand further when he substituted captain Aaron Mokoena at interval. He brought in Siyabonga Sangweni, whose partnership with Morgan Gould was imposing and assured.
They are a sure bet for the future.
Ghanaian attackers looked impressive and tried hard to break through.
But in the odd moments when the Bafana defence was infiltrated, Itumeleng Khune was equal to the task.
On the 63rd minute, Cofien Bekoe took a shot from just outside the box, but the Kaizer Chiefs goal minder was equal to the task with a great save.
After Pienaar came out for Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Bafana looked flat and did not threaten Ghana as much as they had done throughout the match.
With the game nearing the end and fans breaking into song, Mosimane would have certainly hoped that this was the beginning of an era, a good era.
Mosimane, encouraged by the victory, said: "I'm looking to the future".
Source -Sowetanlive.co.za
