Bafana Bafana 1-0 Ethiopia Review & Talking Points

South Africa treated 2,000 spectators to a winning return to the stands as they beat Ethiopia 1-0 at FNB Stadium. However, it was far from a perfectly polished performance.

Nevertheless, there were promising signs aplenty for Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana as they moved closer to qualification for Qatar 2022.

Without further ado, let’s break down the good, the bad and everything between from Tuesday night’s game.

Evidence Suggests Improvement

Evidence Makgopa’s header from a Yusuf Maart corner was bundled in by former Bidvest Wits frontman Getaneh Kebede, whose attempted clearance resulted in an own goal to put Bafana Bafana ahead within a quarter of an hour.

Makgopa later nearly put the ball in the back of the net in the second half, but his chip was cleared off the line. There were plenty of bright moments as he linked up with Bongokuhle Hlongwane in attack.

There is still plenty of room for improvement, but Bafana are undoubtedly a far better team than they were a year ago.

Heart-In-Mouth Moments

Arguably the worst period of the game for Bafana Bafana came immediately after they scored. They were fragile in defence and Kebede caused them nightmares in the box. However, he missed a gilt-edged opportunity as Ronwen Williams saved his scuffed shot from close range and he fired another effort wide on the turn.

There were further errors at the back as the game progressed, including a charged-down Williams clearance which could so easily have ended up in the back of the net, but fortunately did not. 

Bafana also did not put away all of their chances, with Victor Letsoalo, in particular, missing a glorious opportunity.

These moments were all reminders that as much as Bafana are on the right track, there is still a long way to go.

Battle With the Black Stars

Ghana’s 1-0 win over Zimbabwe means it is now a straight fight for top spot in Group G between Bafana Bafana and the Black Stars. South Africa still have to face Ghana away from home and so there is plenty of work still to do. 

Ghana have been unconvincing in qualifying so far, though, so Broos’ charges can dare to dream of a place in the playoffs for the global showpiece in Qatar next year.