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Cape Town - Bafana Bafana were held to a goalless draw by Gambia in their opening AFCON 2017 qualifier played at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Bafana could have broken the deadlock in the ninth minute when Ayanda Patosi set up Thamsanqa Gabuza, but he couldn’t beat Modou Jobe from close range.
The Gambian 'keeper failed to deal with Ayanda Patosi's free-kick in the 20th minute, which sailed just wide of the upright.
Oupa Manyisa had to be replaced due to an injury he picked up, and Mandla Masango was brought on to replace him.
May Mahlangu thundered an effort just wide of the upright from 20-yards out before half-time as they went into the break 0-0.
The Shakes Mashaba’s side proved the strongest side again in the second half especially down the right flank where Thabo Matlaba was operating.
However, the second half was still frustrating for the home team despite numerous changes especially in attack.
Bafana seemed to be patient building from the back towards the end of the match, but nothing came of it as Gambia were happy to sit back and defend to put more frustration to the home side.
Matlaba had another chance in the 78th minute to break the deadlock but blasted the ball high.
Gambia managed to escape once again in the 88th minute as a Ntshangase went inches wide after beating the offside trap.
Gambia had almost everyone at the back in the dying minutes of the game as they were happy to get away with a point.
Bafana Bafana had another chance in added time, but Patosi wasted the chance as the match remained goalless to the end.
