October 09, (THEWILL) – With a 3-1 win over Ethiopia at the Bahir Dar Stadium on Saturday, South Africa consolidated their lead in Group G in the race to the FIFA World Cup in Qatar next year.
Ethiopia had battled back from a goal down after Getaneh Kebede cancelled Teboho Mokoena’s opener, but Mothobi Mvala and Evidence Makgopa struck late in the second half to give Bafana Bafana a comfortable victory.
With excellent saves in the first half, South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams kept his team in the game to thwart the home side. He jumped high in the 25th minute to deflect Surafel Dagnachew’s corner kick.
In the 36th and 39th minutes, he denied Abubeker Nasir Ahmed twice in a row in one-on-one situations, the striker having been set up by peach-perfect passes.
Bafana Bafana took the lead just before halftime, owing to a Fasil Gebremichael blunder. The goalkeeper appeared to have collected Mokoena’s freekick cleanly in his arms, but the ball slipped between his fingers and into the net.
After Dagnachew was pulled down by Kutumela Thabiso in the second half, Ethiopia attempted to get back into the game, and they did so in the 67th minute when Kebedeh struck a magnificent freekick into the net.
Their pleasure at the equaliser lasted only five minutes as South Africa regained the lead, with Mvala volleying home from close range after a long throw was glanced his way.
In the 82nd minute, South Africa had a chance to add a third goal, but Makgopa’s header hit the crossbar. But, after being passed through by Hlongwane Bongokuhle, Makgopa finally scored in the second minute of added time with a lob over the goalie.
South Africa now has seven points, leading Ghana who are facing Zimbabwe later on Saturday by three points. Ethiopia has three points, while Zimbabwe has one point.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
