South Africa are back in the driver’s seat for a spot at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after Bafana Bafana came out on top by a 2-1 score against Liberia in Tuesday’s Group K matchup in Monrovia. Liberia striker William Jebor equalized after Zakhele Lepasa’s opener for the visitors but Mihlali Mayambela struck early in the second half to give South Africa a crucial victory after their disappointing draw last week. Bafana Bafana are now three points clear of Liberia in second place with each team having one more match remaining against group leaders Morocco.
The match was a nervy affair throughout and several mistakes on the ball in South Africa’s defense gave Liberia openings to make the visitors pay in the first half. However it was South Africa who struck first in the 19th minute when an excellent lofted ball from Thapelo Morena sent Lepasa in behind the Lone Star defense to finish past goalkeeper Tommy Songo.
South Africa failed to manage the game after their opening goal and the hosts climbed back into it with an equalizer in the 35th minute. Liberia striker Jebor collected a pass from Prince Balde in the midfield and muscled off defender Siyanda Xulu before firing a shot that just snuck through South Africa keeper Ronwen Williams and rolled across the goal line.
Bafana collected themselves at halftime and did just enough to secure the victory in the second half. Percy Tau created the important match winner in the 53rd minute when the Al Ahly forward did the hard work on the left wing and sent in a low cross that Songo spilled in front of the goal, where Mayambela swooped in to finish. Liberia pushed hard for a leveler but several opportunities created by long throw-ins and lofted balls into the penalty area fell just short with Williams doing well to preserve the victory for South Africa.
Highlights are below.
