Five things we learned from Bafana’s win over Benin

Phakaaathi reporter Katlego Modiba takes you thru 5 things we learned about Bafana Bafana following the 2-1 win over Benin at Durban Moses Mabhida Stadium in a world cup qualifier on Saturday.

1. Percy Tau BMT

Percy Tau may be counted on in massive matches. He’s a person for the large event and appears to thrive beneath strain. Bafana Bafana may ill-afford to drop factors at dwelling to Benin after a slip up by Nigeria towards Lesotho who held them to a shocking 1-1 draw.

That recreation and Rwanda’s goalless draw proved that group C is prone to serve extra curveballs in these qualifiers. Tau wanted to step up following the unavailability of Lyle Foster and Lebo Mothiba. The Al-Ahly ahead did simply that and set Bafana on their option to a 2-1 win over the West Africans when he opened the scoring within the second minute of the sport.

Known for his massive match temperament, Tau was a continuing menace to the Cheetahs’ defence and he’s now on 14 targets in Bafana colors.

2. Sundowns affect on Bafana

Mamelodi Sundowns’ success on the continent can also be rubbing off on the nationwide crew. Six of Sundowns stars have been on the line-up and it may have been extra had it not been for the withdrawals of Grant Kekana and Thapelo Maseko.

Playing out from the again is the hallmark of the Brazilians’ type of play and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams is important to that set-up for each membership and nation. It made life simpler to have Mothobi Mvala, Khuliso Mudau and Aubrey Modiba in defence, with SuperSport United defender Siyanda Xulu additionally trying comfy in possession of the ball.

Teboho Mokoena and Themba Zwane have been additionally vigorous and made South Africa tick as they recorded the victory to go prime of group C.

3. The Themba Zwane puzzle

Themba Zwane has confirmed to be irreplaceable in Bafana Bafana’s arrange to this point. The crew merely appears to be like completely different with out his creativity and silky touches.

Zwane is clearly not a younger man anymore and at 34, his mileage must be managed. Bafana did little to hassle Benin when Zwane was taken off within the second half. His capacity to play on the half-turn and discovering pockets of house in between the traces was missed in direction of the top of the sport.

Hugo Broos must type out this puzzle and he wants to try this as a matter of urgency. South Africa can’t afford to go to subsequent 12 months’s Africa Cup of Nations with no Plan B in case Zwane will get injured.

4. Okhuliso Mudau needs to be first selection at right-back

Khuliso Mudau as soon as once more proved that he needs to be one of many first gamers on the crew sheet. Not solely did he put in one other nice shift in defence, he was additionally on the scoresheet.

There was a time when Broos didn’t fancy Mudau and most popular Nyiko Mobbie at right-back nevertheless it’s now clear that the 28-year-old deserves to be Bafana’s first selection at right-back.

Mudau had Ivory Coast celebrity Wilfred Zaha in his pocket in final month’s pleasant match and his efficiency towards Benin was simply one other exhibition of his capacity to carry out at worldwide stage.

5. Bafana Bafana must be ruthless at dwelling

Bafana ought to have received by an even bigger margin in the event that they have been extra ruthless in entrance of purpose. They ought to have been out of sight within the first half. A 2-0 lead was at all times going to a precarious one and as quickly as Benin pulled one again, panic set in.

In reality, the sport ought to have by no means been this shut and a message wanted to be despatched to different group C opponents that Bafana imply enterprise at dwelling. However, three factors is what issues most and Broos will probably be glad his aspect was in a position to get over the road to kick off their marketing campaign on a constructive be aware.