Share

Baxter pleased with Bafana victory

Abuja - South Africa recorded their first-ever competitive victory over Nigeria on Saturday, winning in a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo 2-0.

Nigeria and South Africa had clashed 12 times before, during which time Bafana Bafana's only victory was in a friendly 13 years ago.

"Beating Nigeria in their home is massive for the whole country and you must excuse me if I am very, very pleased," South Africa coach Stuart Baxter said at a post-match conference.

"We could have scored more goals with a little bit more composure, even though I don't want to sound like a bad winner."

Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr said his young outfit would learn from the defeat.

"South Africa were better than us and we lost as a team," he admitted.

"It was a difficult game for my young team with an average age of 23 against a team who are now unbeaten in 18 matches.

"We are unhappy about this loss but we will take some positives from this."

Tekelo Rantie headed South Africa in front after 54 minutes when he powered home a cross from the right past goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi with the Nigeria defence guilty of ball watching.

South Africa doubled their lead in the 80th minute through Percy Tau, who rounded Akpeyi to score after a fine through ball.

However, Libya lead Group E after trouncing the Seychelles 5-1 in Cairo, Egypt.

The Super Eagles had actually enjoyed more of the ball in the first 45 minutes, but could have gone behind Akpeyi spilled a cross from the left, but Themba Zwane's shot from inside the box came back off the post.

Nigeria had created several chances but Leicester City's Wilfred Ndidi fired wide on 11 minutes while Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune had to rush out of his area on 20 minutes to deny Kelechi Iheanacho a shooting chance.

Two minutes after that, Etebo Oghenekaro missed Nigeria's best opening of the half when prodding Iheanacho's cross just past the post.

The visitors played with greater adventure following the break and, after Rantie had opened the scoring, Zwane hit the post for a second time with the Nigeria defence all at sea.

The visitors had a penalty appeal turned down by the Tunisian referee after Keegan Dolly appeared to have been fouled by Chidozie Awaziem.

But Tau's strike ensured they would be going home victorious.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE