BAFANA Bafana again played in patches to earn a point against Mali in their second Group A match in the African Nations Championship yesterday, perhaps a fair result given Bernard Parker's controversial penalty and captain Itumeleng Khune escaping a potential sending off.
While fans will reminisce about midfielder Lindokuhle Mbatha's trickery and speed in SA's 1-1 stalemate, many will also remember that Bafana had a helping hand from referee Souley Mohamadou of Cameroon in getting their goal.
Ibourahima Sidibe cancelled out Parker's goal in the 55th minute, leaving the two sides on four points each and Sunday's games to decide which two teams qualify for the quarterfinals.
SA take on their nemesis Nigeria while Mali face Mozambique who were beaten 4-2 by the Super Eagles last night.
However, Mali will cry foul when looking back at a game that was there for the taking when Bafana took their foot off the pedal in the second half, having dazzled in the opening minutes.
But the Malians could have stolen a march on the tournament hosts in the 10th minute, when Bafana skipper and goalkeeper Khune could have been sent for an early shower after his blatant take-down of Mali striker Abdoulaye Sissoko in the penalty box.
The Cameroon official froze for seconds before deciding to give Mali a corner kick even though Khune had gone for the man and not the ball.
Sandwiched between more questionable calls from the referee was a penalty for Bafana in the 23rd minute .
Parker stepped up to score yet another penalty to give Bafana the lead and take his international tally to 22 strikes in 66 matches.
Bafana approached the second half as if they had punched above their weight in the first. With only 10 minutes played, the Eagles struck the equaliser.
Bafana will now only need a point against Nigeria following the latter's win over Mozambique.
The Super Eagles scored through Rabiu Ali (brace), Ifeanyi Ede and substitute Barnabas Imenger.
The Mambas netted through captain Dario Khan and Diogo Alberto.
Nigeria still have a chance to qualify for the quarterfinals if they beat Bafana, but Mozambique will go no further with their meaningless clash against Mali. But for the Eagles a draw will send them through to the next round.
Patchy SA earn a point
BAFANA Bafana again played in patches to earn a point against Mali in their second Group A match in the African Nations Championship yesterday, perhaps a fair result given Bernard Parker's controversial penalty and captain Itumeleng Khune escaping a potential sending off.
While fans will reminisce about midfielder Lindokuhle Mbatha's trickery and speed in SA's 1-1 stalemate, many will also remember that Bafana had a helping hand from referee Souley Mohamadou of Cameroon in getting their goal.
Ibourahima Sidibe cancelled out Parker's goal in the 55th minute, leaving the two sides on four points each and Sunday's games to decide which two teams qualify for the quarterfinals.
SA take on their nemesis Nigeria while Mali face Mozambique who were beaten 4-2 by the Super Eagles last night.
However, Mali will cry foul when looking back at a game that was there for the taking when Bafana took their foot off the pedal in the second half, having dazzled in the opening minutes.
But the Malians could have stolen a march on the tournament hosts in the 10th minute, when Bafana skipper and goalkeeper Khune could have been sent for an early shower after his blatant take-down of Mali striker Abdoulaye Sissoko in the penalty box.
The Cameroon official froze for seconds before deciding to give Mali a corner kick even though Khune had gone for the man and not the ball.
Sandwiched between more questionable calls from the referee was a penalty for Bafana in the 23rd minute .
Parker stepped up to score yet another penalty to give Bafana the lead and take his international tally to 22 strikes in 66 matches.
Bafana approached the second half as if they had punched above their weight in the first. With only 10 minutes played, the Eagles struck the equaliser.
Bafana will now only need a point against Nigeria following the latter's win over Mozambique.
The Super Eagles scored through Rabiu Ali (brace), Ifeanyi Ede and substitute Barnabas Imenger.
The Mambas netted through captain Dario Khan and Diogo Alberto.
Nigeria still have a chance to qualify for the quarterfinals if they beat Bafana, but Mozambique will go no further with their meaningless clash against Mali. But for the Eagles a draw will send them through to the next round.
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