Bafana Bafana Draw Against Niger In CHAN Match
Bafana Bafana’s makeshift side was held to a goalless draw against Niger in the African Nations Championship at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala on Friday night.
Bafana entered the match sitting third in Group C with four points from two matches. A victory would have put their destiny in their own hands as the knockout stage approaches. Despite the draw, their fate is still in their control, as this was the penultimate game of the season.
In a game with few clear-cut chances, the 0-0 scoreline was unsurprising.
In the 16th minute, Bafana Bafana thought they had a penalty when Assane Sani appeared to trip Kaketso Majadibodu inside the box. After Majadibodu combined with Thabiso Kutumela for the play, referee Bouchra Karboubi initially pointed to the spot. However, after a VAR review, she overturned her decision, letting Niger off the hook.
Bafana came close again in first-half stoppage time when Kutumela’s close-range shot was blocked by goalkeeper Tandja Kassali. The follow-up shot from Phillip Ndlondlo was also blocked by Niger captain Mohamed Moumouni. Despite the ball hitting Moumouni’s hand, a second VAR review confirmed the referee’s decision of no penalty.
Bafana appeared to be inching closer to scoring as they dominated the West African side. A low cross from Majadibodu was nearly turned into his own net by Kassali Oladipo.
Niger also had their chances. In the 75th minute, Moumouni’s header hit the post, giving Bafana a scare. Molefi Ntseki’s side was lucky not to concede a penalty when Malibongwe Khoza’s tackle inside the box went unpunished, with the referee not even referring the incident to VAR despite it appearing to be a clear foul.
From that point on, chances were at a premium, and the match ended with neither side finding the back of the net. It is all to play for in the last game on Monday.
