It looked like South Africa’s Bafana Bafana were set to comfortably cruise to a routine home victory in 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying on Friday but Liberia surged back from a two-goal halftime deficit and snatched a point in a 2-2 draw at the Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg. Mohammed Sangare’s long range blast in second half stoppage time leveled the score and gave the Lone Star a crucial point before the two teams meet again in four days back in Liberia. With one point each between the teams and Group K leaders Morocco out of reach, Tuesday’s matchup will be crucial for qualification.
Bafana got off to a dominant start and things were going excellently for Hugo Broos’ side. South Africa forward Percy Tau was upended by a reckless challenge from Liberia goalkeeper Tommy Songo in the penalty area, setting up an 11th minute penalty kick conversion from striker Lyle Foster. The Burnley FC marksman doubled his tally in the 22nd minute when an excellent corner kick service from Teboho Mokoena found Foster at the near post for a guided header that left Songo with no chance.
Bongokuhle Hlongwane missed a couple of clear opportunities and South Africa certainly could have put the match far beyond reach by halftime. However the visitors slowly clawed their way back into contention and concerns began to grow for Bafana supporters when substitute Tonya Tisdell’s free kick from the right wing went through a crowd and by Bafana keeper Ronwen Williams to cut the deficit in half.
It appeared South Africa were safe for the three points after Williams did brilliantly to deny Oscar Dorley when a cross from the right wing saw the Slavia Prague midfielder’s shot tipped off the post and out of play by the Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper. However it was Tisdell who set up the stunning equalizer when his run inside from the right wing saw him lay off for Sangare, who got the ball on his left foot before uncorking a howitzer of a shot that was too powerful for Williams.
Bafana now have a difficult task ahead of them in the Liberian capital of Monrovia in four days time, where a defeat will all but end their hopes for qualification. Highlights are below.
