Namibia hold Bafana Bafana to third straight draw

Bafana Bafana of South Africa took on the Brave Warriors of Namibia in an international friendly at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Hugo Broos’ side hoped to continue their upward trajectory with another important victory against a well known regional opponent.

The last time Bafana Bafana took to the field of play was during their incredible victory over FIFA World Cup semi-finalists Morocco way back in June.

However, after a dominant display over Namibia with 14 shots registered and six on target, South Africa lacked cutting edge in front of goal that ensured the game ended 0-0.

FULL TIME

🇿🇦 South Africa 0-0 Namibia 🇳🇦

Congratulations to our boys for putting up a great effort and earning a draw away from home. pic.twitter.com/7FZY68cKP8

— 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐲 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐚 🇳🇦 (@FootyNamibia) September 9, 2023

Namibia have now gone three consecutive games without a loss against South Africa.

Below is the match review:

Level at half-time

Hugo Broos started Veli Mothwa in goal and Lyle Foster in attack in a much changed starting XI. The visitors themselves made some series of changes in their usual lineup as well.

The match started on a slow note from both teams until Namibia got an early opportunity that was fired wide by Muzeu in the third minute.

After the initial Namibian threat, South Africa looked good in attack and had some resulting corners which didn't bother Kazapua much in goal for Namibia, with the fans cheering on their team.

Bafana Bafana fans cheering on the team — Credit: Icon Sport

In the 25th minute, the Brave Warriors carved Bafana's defence open from a good pass from Shitembi that Broos' side somehow scrambled out of danger.

Both sides after a period of some danger play will sit back, knocking the ball around with no real threats.

Foster and Saleng combined well towards the end of the half a couple of times but neither player had a clear sight at goal to break the deadlock as the match tilted to halftime on level terms.

Bafana Bafana lacked precision in the second half

Hugo Broos made changes at the break for Bafana Bafana. Lebo Mothiba replaced Lyle Foster, Grant Kekana replaced Siyanda Xulu and Mlungisi Mbunjana replaced Sphephelo Sithole.

Just like they ended first-half, Bafana Bafana were in control in the early exchanges of the second half.

Despite dominating most of the possession and territory though, Broos' side were unable to get through into the Namibian goal.

Around the 64th minute, Aubrey Modiba came on for Innocent Maela and Pule Mmodi for Bathusi Aubaas. The visitors too made changes of their own, Joslin Kamatuka for Petrus Shitembi.

With fresh legs injected into the game, both sides sought to get the winner, even as Modiba came close twice to open the scoring while Margeman's foul in the area had not enough contact to be awarded a penalty ten minutes from time.

Time was running out and Bafana Bafana increasingly looked to snatch a winning goal, but they just couldn't direct their many shots on target, just like in the first half, to bring the match to a close.

Hugo Broos side will next take on DR Congo on Tuesday in another friendly match of the September international window.