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Bafana one step closer to Russia with Senegal win

Cape Town - South Africa took full advantage of a slice of good fortune to beat Senegal 2-1 in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday afternoon.  

Two goals in the space of four first-half minutes by the hosts sealed their place atop Group D with Bafana Bafana finally bringing an end to their barren run on home soil.  

Senegal flexed their muscles early on, but would fall a goal behind in the 43rd minute through rather unfortunate circumstances - the referee adjudging that Kalidou Koulibaly had handled the ball when in fact Eleazar Rodgers' header attempt hit his knee.  

It mattered little for Thulani Hlatshwayo, though, with the Bafana Bafana captain finding the back of the net from 12 yards - Abdoulaye Diallo had guessed the right way, but the shot had enough venom to squeeze past the Senegalese goal-minder.  

Thulani Serero made it 2-0 in the first minute of added time. Neat interplay between Keagan Dolly and Mpho Makola setting up up the Ajax Amsterdam midfielder who hit home at the first time of asking.  

Clearly pumped up by what they felt was an unjust decision by the match official, the Teranga Lions came out firing after the break.  

Moussa Konate and Mame Biram Diouf missed gilt-edged chances for the visitors before the West Africans finally found their goal through Cheikh N'Doye in the 76th minute.  

The French-based midfielder hammered home from close range following some nervy defending by the hosts.  

Senegal continued to notch up the pressure with Itumeleng Khune forced into a great save with three minutes remaining as South Africa eventually held on for all three points.  

Next up for Bafana Bafana is a clash against Cape Verde on August 28.
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