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South Africa did better than the draw they needed against Libya to enter the finals of the 2018 African Nations Cup (Afcon) after winning a victory 2 to 1 at Taieb Mhiri Stadium on Sunday night, thanks to two sensational goals from Percy Tau.
After the visiting team was under control for most of the first half, Tau knocked out Libya with a shot in the 49th minute and took the winner in the 68th minute, three minutes into the second half. after Ahmad Ben Ali tied with a penalty.
In difficult inhospitable conditions far from home against a physical and energetic Libya, Bafana survived some questionable arbitrations and had to avoid missiles thrown on the ground by the spectators throughout the second half, and could brag about this brave and accomplished performance and a deserved victory.
The formation of Bafana was a little surprised. Head coach Steuart Baxter named Sifiso Hlanti and Innocent Maela, two left-backers in the starting lineup.
The idea was that Hlanti would join Buhle Mkhwanazi and Thulani Hlatshwayo in the third row, Maela and Thamsanqa Mkhize being used as backsides.
When the meeting began – in front of a crowded stadium of about 25,000 people, many of whom had apparently driven from Libya to Tunisia to support their team, it was the North African side that had done all the work. difference run early, putting South Africa under pressure with an incisive and rhythmic football.
When Bafana caught the ball, the Knights of the Mediterranean invaded all ranks and quickly made possession of the ball. It took a very determined defense, including some significant blockages and interceptions to minimize the chances of Libyans.
Still, Bafana goalkeeper Darren Keet was a busy man. He managed the centers well in the area and made two well-deserved stops.
Things got better for the 1996 Afcon champions in the minutes leading up to the break and much of the trade in the 40th minute ended on a Themba Zwane shot.
There was also an opening for Lebo Mothiba, but he stole a great opportunity over the bar before Keet made a good stop just before the break to stop Ali's center from finding the net.
Baxter's instructions at half-time must surely have been a phrase like, "Let's play the game to the opponent, let's comfort ourselves, give the defense an opportunity to think."
This is certainly the impression that the Bafana players gave, their appearance being much more decisive and positive after the recovery. And after only four and a half minutes, they got their reward when Mothiba handed the ball to Tau just out of the box, where former Mamelodi Sundowns man had enough time to level off before throwing a great shot in the upper corner.
Naturally, this provoked a reaction from the Knights of the Mediterranean and Bafana was again indebted to Keet who responded extremely well to avoid a sharp scathing volley of Anis Saltou.
It was Saltou who was forced to bring back the North Africans in the match. While tracking a center in the area, he was swept in the face by Keet's boot while the goalie climbed to reveal what appeared to be a routine catch.
It was a rather questionable decision to kick, but it did not bother Ali, who approached to pbad the ball in front of Keet and restore parity after 64 minutes.
South Africa did not seem to follow the same path when a few minutes later a goal was denied, as the ball seemed to have been forced over the line after a scrum.
However, they refused to let the setbacks invade them and a few moments later, Bafana scored what turned out to be the winner. After a cleverly crafted cornering, Tau finished a sensational finish with his weaker right foot in a tight corner.
Libya came back to equalize again, but the southern US team has been dedicated to defending its opponent. Keet was about to try, as two throws came inevitably.
In the end, they could see the match without too much trouble and Tau could even have scored his hat, though he had not shot a good position in the 88th minute.
Follow the match as below:
– Everything is finished! South Africa has qualified for Afcon 2019!
– 4 minutes of extra time to play
– 90 minutes Free kick for Libya in a good position, but South Africa eliminates danger
– 88 minutes Tau has no more goals, but misses the hat trick
– 81 ' corner for Libya and Keet makes another stop
– 77 ' Keet makes another good stop to keep South Africa in the match
– 69 'GOAAAL! Tau catches his corset and brings the score to 2-1 for South Africa with a powerful finish!
– 68 ' South Africa's corner
– 64 ' PENALTY for Libya! Keet penalized for showing posts and it's converted! It's 1-1!
– 59 ' free kick Libya in a good position
– 55 ' offside goes against Libya
– 53 ' Libya calls for penalty but referee continues to play
– 49 'GOAAAAL! Tau puts South Africa in the lead with a cool finish!
– The second half is underway in Tunisia
Score at half-time: Libya 0-0 South Africa
– 45 minutes free kick for Libya
– 43 minutes South Africa's corner
– 29 minutes South Africa's corner
– 35 minutes free kick for Libya
– 24 minutes Free kick for South Africa in a promising position, but nothing escapes
– 21 minutes luck for South Africa! But it's wasted
– 19 minutes whistle against South Africa
– 18 ' free kick for Libya in a promising position and cleared by South Africa
4 & # 39; free kick for Libya and a yellow card for Maela
– start
Bafana is second in Afcon's 2019 qualifying group E, which means that a draw at least will ensure a spot in the main event in June.
South Africa from XI: Keet, Hlatshwayo, Mkhwanazi, Hlanti, Maela, Mkhize, Furman, Mokotjo, Zwane, Tau, Mothiba
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