Bafana edge Eswatini, move into Cosafa Cup semis

South Africa claimed a 2-1 win over Eswatini in a Cosafa Cup clash at the Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu on Tuesday evening, thereby securing a place in the semifinals of the regional competition.

Bafana Bafana looked to be in trouble when Sihlangu Semnikati claimed the lead early in the second half via Bongwa Matsebula, but a late brace from substitute Tshegofatso Mabasa secured top spot in Group A with a haul of seven points.

The tournament hosts will go on to face the best runner-up in the second semifinal on Friday, likely to be Zambia (or potentially Mauritius or Lesotho, depending on Wednesday’s Group C results).

Clear chances were few and far between in the first 45 minutes, with both teams struggling to create penetrating attacks.

South Africa strung together some promising passing moves, but too often they broke down in the final third, with the host team’s best effort coming from a set piece late in the half, as Lyle Lakay sent a shot off target direct from a free kick.

For their part, Eswatini looked dangerous on transition, with Melulen Mkhonto proving a mobile spearhead, while Bongwa Matsebula had their best effort of the first half a few minutes before the break, firing narrowly off target when he latched onto a loose ball in the penalty area.

MABASA BRACE

Sihlangu started the second half strongly and deservedly claimed the lead in the 51st minute, with Matsebula ruthlessly capitalising on a defensive error from Keegan Allan, as he cracked home a left-footed volley via the underside of the crossbar.

Allan looked to immediately redeem himself and provided a great chance for Victor Letsoalo with a cushioned header, but the striker sliced his shot wide of the mark.

On 67 minutes Bafana Bafana were