It was marred by a strong wind and a bumpy pitch, but Bafana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba would’ve learnt some real truths about some players following a 1-1 draw with Ghana in Durban on Tuesday.
The sparse crowd at the Moses Mabhida Stadium would’ve wondered if they made the right decision to brave the weather conditions and sit through a dreary encounter.
Ball control was difficult for both teams due to the gusts of wind that held the ball up at one end and pushed it too far ahead at the other. Along with a substandard playing surface, it made constructive attacking play really difficult.
But this international friendly was a showcase for some of the fringe players to impress Mashaba ahead of next month’s second World Cup qualifier against Senegal after the hard-fought 1-1 draw with Burkina Faso at the weekend.
And while some of the newcomers took their chance, others were underwhelming. One of Bafana’s better players on the night was the experienced Dean Furman, who worked hard to protect the back-four and put in some crunching tackles.
But he was operating almost alone in trying to break up Ghana’s attacking forays as the likes of Panathinaikos’ Mubarak Wakaso, Anderlecht’s Frank Acheampong and Newcastle United’s Christian Atsu pushed forward.
That is where new Bafana central defender Isaac Nhlapo was found wanting. Having replaced Eric Mathoho, Nhlapo made a number of errors, and the last straw came when he made a rash two-footed challenge on Harrison Afful in the penalty area to concede a penalty in the 37th minute.
After Wakaso converted the spot-kick, Nhlapo was soon removed from the scene by Mashaba, with Ramahlwe Mphahlele coming on.
Another newcomer who didn’t quite deliver on his promise is Ayanda Patosi. The Belgian-based left winger did well to finish from Sibusiso Vilakazi’s pass with a wonderful curling shot from the edge of the box in the 51st minute to grab the equaliser.
But Patosi missed two other good chances, and didn’t offer much down the left flank. He didn’t show much speed out wide, unlike regular left winger Keagan Dolly, and was unable to set up any meaningful opportunities or take on the Ghanaian defence himself.
One man who did enhance his reputation and boosted his case for future call-ups is Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Vilakazi. Apart from playing a key role in the build-up to Patosi’s goal, Vilakazi was a good foil for front-man Rodgers and was dangerous around the box.
Thulani Serero was also lively when he came on late in the second half, and had a penalty appeal turned down after being brought down in the box.
However, substitute striker Thamsanqa Gabuza again wasted a great chance with five minutes to go when he was put through on goal by a Rodgers pass, only to push his effort over the crossbar as Ghana goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey advanced to try to smother the danger.
Rodgers again impressed with his physical presence and movement, and hopefully Mashaba settles on Vilakazi as an out-and-out strike partner going forward instead of playing in the No 10 role.
@ashfakmohamed