After being knocked out of the Cosafa Cup in the quarterfinals, a youthful Bafana Bafana redeemed themselves with a lukewarm 2-1 win over Madagascar in the semifinal at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Durban on Friday.
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Keletso Sifama and Chumani Butsaka scored for Helman Mkhalele’s makeshift squad, while Solomampionona Razafindranaivo netted the consolation goal for the islanders.
Coach Mkhalele made two changes to the team that lost on penalties to Mozambique in the main tournament’s quarterfinals on Wednesday.
The coach brought in Jayden Adams for Sydney Malivha on the left wing and Chumani Butsaka for Boitumelo Radiopane upfront.
However, Adams had to be stretchered off the pitch in the second half after he was tackled by an opponent. He was replaced by Ethan Brooks.
The South Africans played exciting football and created chances. But the final touch wasn’t up to scratch.
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Sifama’s 22-minute goal was a result of good build-up by Bafana. The teenager received the ball from Zuko Mdunyelwa inside the box and used his right foot to beat the islanders’ goalkeeper Eddit Bastia.
South Africa continued to create chances in the second half. But they were only able to find the back of the net in the 85th minute, when 20-year-old Butsaka scored on debut for Bafana after being set up by Radiopane.
However, the visitors were able to pull one back through Razafindranaivo, who easily beat Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Lincoln Vyver.
Bafana will now contest the Plate final against Botswana or Eswatini at the same venue at 10h0am on Sunday.
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