Bafana held by 10-man Mauritania

Cape Town - South Africa's unsuccessful 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign ended with a dismal 1-1 stalemate against 10-man Mauritania at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit, on Friday evening.

Hlompho Kekana and Dialo Guideye on target for their respective teams in the space of nine minutes - the draw Bafana Bafana's third in as many home games. 

Les Mourabitones played the final 15 minutes plus stoppage time with a man short, Ismael Diakhite receiving his marching orders for a second bookable offence. 

Bafana Bafana end what was ultimately and unsuccessful campaign in third place in Group M with Cameroon advancing to the showpiece as group winners.  

With the memorable 3-1 win in Nouakchott still fresh in the memory, Mauritania started the game on the front foot and opened the scoring on 17 minutes. 

Guideye with a composed finish following a flowing move which stemmed from within their own half - the Mauritania captain just guiding the ball into the corner of the net from the edge of the area. 

Kekana hit back with 26 minutes on the clock, the Mamelodi Sundowns captain heading home from point-blank range after Brahim Souleymane was caught napping on his line. 

The Mauritanian goalkeeper was substituted at half-time following a clash with Thamsanqa Gabuza, with his deputy - Mohamed Boubacar - quickly making a name for himself. 

The young shot-stopper saving Gabuza's spot-kick in the 56th minute after Mohamed Wade was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the area. 

Bafana Bafana pushed forward in search of the winner, but never looked like scoring with Thulani Hlatshwayo flashing his attempt wide with five minutes remaining. 

In the end, another disappointing result for South Africa as they now turn their attention to a friendly clash against Egypt, scheduled for next Tuesday.

Scorers:

South Africa

Kekana (26')

Mauritania

Guideye (17')

Teams:

South Africa

Khune, Mobara, Mphahlele, Hlatshwayo, Langerman, Jali, Kekana (Furman 67'), Makola, Modiba, Vilakazi (Motupa 83'), Gabuza (Rantie 60')

Mauritania

Souleymane (Boubacar 46'), Wade, N'Diaye, Sally, Camara, Guideye (Gueye 72'), Yaly, El Id (Denna 64'), Khalil, Bagili, Diakhite