THE champagne had to be put on ice, and the celebrations postponed to when Bafana Bafana do eventually win another Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Had Shakes Mashaba's men beaten Congo at Peter Mokaba Stadium last night, they would have secured their place in next year's continental showpiece in Morocco.
However, a tense goalless stalemate meant that although Bafana maintain their status as Group A leaders, choking in the Limpopo rain stalled an opportunity to qualify early for a major tournament - something they have not managed to do since 2008.
The pouring rain spoiled it for both teams, but even before, Bafana seemed too cautious and eager to avoid defeat. Congo were also better than in their 2-0 defeat to the same team in Pointe Noire last weekend.
Mashaba, who had admitted earlier in the week to being wary of the "wounded tigers", named an unchanged side for this encounter, but was forced to replace left-back Thabo Matlaba with Sibusiso Khumalo due to a sudden injury. His counterpart Claude Le Roy made two changes to be more forceful away from home.
Last night, Congo gave Bafana a scare - coming close to breaking the deadlock after having more shots on target than their hosts. And it was no surprise that the best chance of the match fell to Congo in the first half when Delvin Ndinga was allowed a free header in the Bafana box, which goalkeeper and skipper Senzo Meyiwa saved.
Congo also thought they had scored on the hour mark, but referee Badara Diatta from Senegal adjudged striker Dore Ferebory to be offside. Mashaba quickly rang the changes, bringing on Kermit Erasmus, Oupa Manyisa and Sibusiso Vilakazi for Bongani Ndulula, Tokelo Rantie and an ineffective Thulani Serero.
Bafana seemed to up their tempo thanks to the fresh legs, but they still could not hit the target. And when they did - through Mandla Masango in the 88th minute - whistleman Diatta rule the winger to be offside.
SA now have it all to do in their upcoming qualifier against Sudan next month. They will be without rightback Thulani Hlatshwayo, who earned a second booking. All they need is a win, one that frustratingly eluded them last night.
No celebrations yet as Bafana are held
THE champagne had to be put on ice, and the celebrations postponed to when Bafana Bafana do eventually win another Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Had Shakes Mashaba's men beaten Congo at Peter Mokaba Stadium last night, they would have secured their place in next year's continental showpiece in Morocco.
However, a tense goalless stalemate meant that although Bafana maintain their status as Group A leaders, choking in the Limpopo rain stalled an opportunity to qualify early for a major tournament - something they have not managed to do since 2008.
The pouring rain spoiled it for both teams, but even before, Bafana seemed too cautious and eager to avoid defeat. Congo were also better than in their 2-0 defeat to the same team in Pointe Noire last weekend.
Mashaba, who had admitted earlier in the week to being wary of the "wounded tigers", named an unchanged side for this encounter, but was forced to replace left-back Thabo Matlaba with Sibusiso Khumalo due to a sudden injury. His counterpart Claude Le Roy made two changes to be more forceful away from home.
Last night, Congo gave Bafana a scare - coming close to breaking the deadlock after having more shots on target than their hosts. And it was no surprise that the best chance of the match fell to Congo in the first half when Delvin Ndinga was allowed a free header in the Bafana box, which goalkeeper and skipper Senzo Meyiwa saved.
Congo also thought they had scored on the hour mark, but referee Badara Diatta from Senegal adjudged striker Dore Ferebory to be offside. Mashaba quickly rang the changes, bringing on Kermit Erasmus, Oupa Manyisa and Sibusiso Vilakazi for Bongani Ndulula, Tokelo Rantie and an ineffective Thulani Serero.
Bafana seemed to up their tempo thanks to the fresh legs, but they still could not hit the target. And when they did - through Mandla Masango in the 88th minute - whistleman Diatta rule the winger to be offside.
SA now have it all to do in their upcoming qualifier against Sudan next month. They will be without rightback Thulani Hlatshwayo, who earned a second booking. All they need is a win, one that frustratingly eluded them last night.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos