Player ratings: Bafana v Congo

Cape Town - Shakes Mashaba’s Bafana Bafana took another step towards AFCON 2015 qualification following a 0-0 draw with Congo in Polokwane on Wednesday evening.

Bafana Bafana failed to take advantage of home comforts as well organised Congo defence kept the national side at bay in the first half before the rain came down at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

With both Mandla Masango and Thulani Serero playing in unfamiliar wide roles, Bafana Bafana struggled to build any pressure on attack in a scrappy match where either side failed to take control. 

Following their fine win in Point Noire, Bafana Bafana came into the match as heavy-favourites to win the game and qualify for AFCON 2015. 

A draw is by no means a poor result against a tough opponent in even tougher conditions but it is clear that this young Bafana Bafana side is still a work in progress.

Bafana Bafana player ratings:

1. Senzo Meyiwa - 6.5
Did well on a night where he wasn't tested all that often. Yet to be beaten in AFCON qualifying.

2. Thulani Hlatshwayo - 6
Solid enough as a defender but needs to provide an attacking threat if Bafana are to create more chances.

3. Sibusiso Khumalo - 6
Did his primary job, defending, well but SA missed Matlaba's surging runs.

4. Eric Mathoho - 7
Maybe the best player on the park. Chiefs will do well to keep Mathoho at the club. 

5. Rivaldo Coetzee - 6
Another solid display from the youngster, will be hard to leave him out against Sudan.

6. Dean Furman - 5.5
Easy night for the Doncaster Rovers man, he may need to add some creativity to his Bafana game.

7. Mandla Masango - 6
Tried hard all night but also struggled out wide. Had a goal correctly disallowed for offside.

8. Andile Jali - 7
Continues to shine in the heart of midfield. Did his job well in the conditions.

9. Thulani Serero - 4.5
Playing out of position, Serero was well watched by the Congo defence. Not his best game.

10. Bongani Ndalula - 4
Slow and sluggish performance from "Drogba". Will want to put this match behind him.

11. Tokelo Rantie - 4
Offside far too often and offered little in attack. A forgettable evening for him.

Substitutions:

12. Sibusiso Vilakazi - 6
Too little time to make a real impact.

13. Oupa Manyisa - 5
Rushed his first effort on goal, Manyisa stuggled in the pouring rain, to link the midfield with the attackers.

14. Kermit Erasmus - 5
Introduced with half an hour to go, Erasmus failed to get the support required to test the opposition defence.