BAFANA Bafana began their 2013 Africa Cup of Nations preparations on a low note after a disappointing 1-0 loss to Norway in an international friendly here last night.
A first-half goal from Norwegian captain Tarik Elyounoussi settled the match in the visitors' favour and if this is to be the start of the road to glory for Bafana, then they still have a long way to travel after a disjointed display that provided plenty of huff and puff, but little in the way of quality.
The stage was certainly set for the players, a sell-out crowd in the Mother City creating a wonderful atmosphere, but Norway's party-poopers proved too resolute for a home side desperate to find some cheer ahead of the continental finals.
Coach Gordon Igesund started with what you would think is close to his preferred eleven, Thuso Phala perhaps the surprise selection as he made his first international start to add width to what was otherwise a fairly ponderous midfield.
But the Platinum Stars winger was one of the positives on the night, his pace and trickery on the wing being the chief source of goal-scoring opportunities for Bafana as they found little joy in other areas. Phala duly won the man of the match award.
The returning of Katlego Mphela had a frustrating first-half that ended with the crowd baying for his substitution. They got their wish at the break, but he did at least notch up another 45 minutes of football as he works his way back to full match fitness after almost six months on the sidelines. Twice the Mamelodi Sundowns forward found himself one-on-one with goalkeeper Rune Jarstein. The keeper saved his first effort, while he failed to get a touch on the second as the ball spun away from him.
He also narrowly missed the ball from Phala's low cross when it seemed as though he had to score, but he was not the only culprit for the home side.
Anele Ngcongca found himself with an excellent shooting opportunity just outside the six-yard box, but opted to pass instead of taking on the responsibility himself.
Bafana certainly had the better of the chances in the opening period, but they were made to pay for this wastefulness when Norway took the lead four minutes before the break.
Too many Bafana defenders stood off Elyounoussi as he danced his way through the box, allowing him the time and space to pick his spot and score past a helpless Itumeleng Khune. The defence had looked shaky all night. It was much of the same in the second period. Phala was growing into his role on the right and he thought he should have had a penalty when great persistence allowed him a crossing opportunity, and the ball appeared to strike the arm of the sprawling Norwegian defender.
The Stars winger then set up Tokelo Rantie, but again Jarstein saved the visitors with a good block and the unlucky Phala could not turn home the loose ball.
Thulani Serero replaced Siphiwe Tshabalala just before the hour mark, the latter having yet another disappointing night in a national team jersey.
The misses kept on coming for Bafana though, Rantie denied by Jarstein from close range, before Phala spoiled his night with an incredible miss from eight yards as he side-footed over the bar.
Next up is Algeria on Saturday, potentially a tougher assignment than this one and a last chance for Igesund and his team to inspire some public confidence before the start of their Afcon campaign.
Bafana given boot in friendly
BAFANA Bafana began their 2013 Africa Cup of Nations preparations on a low note after a disappointing 1-0 loss to Norway in an international friendly here last night.
A first-half goal from Norwegian captain Tarik Elyounoussi settled the match in the visitors' favour and if this is to be the start of the road to glory for Bafana, then they still have a long way to travel after a disjointed display that provided plenty of huff and puff, but little in the way of quality.
The stage was certainly set for the players, a sell-out crowd in the Mother City creating a wonderful atmosphere, but Norway's party-poopers proved too resolute for a home side desperate to find some cheer ahead of the continental finals.
Coach Gordon Igesund started with what you would think is close to his preferred eleven, Thuso Phala perhaps the surprise selection as he made his first international start to add width to what was otherwise a fairly ponderous midfield.
But the Platinum Stars winger was one of the positives on the night, his pace and trickery on the wing being the chief source of goal-scoring opportunities for Bafana as they found little joy in other areas. Phala duly won the man of the match award.
The returning of Katlego Mphela had a frustrating first-half that ended with the crowd baying for his substitution. They got their wish at the break, but he did at least notch up another 45 minutes of football as he works his way back to full match fitness after almost six months on the sidelines. Twice the Mamelodi Sundowns forward found himself one-on-one with goalkeeper Rune Jarstein. The keeper saved his first effort, while he failed to get a touch on the second as the ball spun away from him.
He also narrowly missed the ball from Phala's low cross when it seemed as though he had to score, but he was not the only culprit for the home side.
Anele Ngcongca found himself with an excellent shooting opportunity just outside the six-yard box, but opted to pass instead of taking on the responsibility himself.
Bafana certainly had the better of the chances in the opening period, but they were made to pay for this wastefulness when Norway took the lead four minutes before the break.
Too many Bafana defenders stood off Elyounoussi as he danced his way through the box, allowing him the time and space to pick his spot and score past a helpless Itumeleng Khune. The defence had looked shaky all night. It was much of the same in the second period. Phala was growing into his role on the right and he thought he should have had a penalty when great persistence allowed him a crossing opportunity, and the ball appeared to strike the arm of the sprawling Norwegian defender.
The Stars winger then set up Tokelo Rantie, but again Jarstein saved the visitors with a good block and the unlucky Phala could not turn home the loose ball.
Thulani Serero replaced Siphiwe Tshabalala just before the hour mark, the latter having yet another disappointing night in a national team jersey.
The misses kept on coming for Bafana though, Rantie denied by Jarstein from close range, before Phala spoiled his night with an incredible miss from eight yards as he side-footed over the bar.
Next up is Algeria on Saturday, potentially a tougher assignment than this one and a last chance for Igesund and his team to inspire some public confidence before the start of their Afcon campaign.
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