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Joy for Senegal, heartbreak for Bafana in Dakar

Cape Town - Senegal have defeated Bafana Bafana 2-1 in their final 2018 Soccer World Cup qualifying match, securing their place in next year's showcase in the process. 

As it happened: Senegal v South Africa

The start of the match was delayed by a few minutes as the lights at the Stade Leopold Sedar Sengho in Dakar failed. 

Although Senegal started brightly, by the 20th minute of the first half, neither goalkeeper had been tested. 

The first real chance of the match fell to Sibusiso Vilakazi in the 38th minute but unfortunately, he rushed his shot after an excellent pass from Percy Tau.

Four minutes later, S’Fiso Hlanti saw his free-kick flash wide of goal as the teams went into half-time deadlocked at 0-0.

Senegal opened the scoring in the 55th minute after Itumeleng Khune rushed off his line only to be beaten by a shot by Nguette who calmly put the hosts 1-0 up. 

Six minutes later, South Africa had a chance to draw level after they were awarded a penalty when Themba Zwane was brought down in the area.

Unfortunately for the visitors, after dusting himself off, Zwane was well wide of the mark with is penalty attempt. 

Bafana soon drew level, however, through some excellent play with Keagan Dolly finding Tau who made no mistake with his effort on goal. 

Ten minutes later and the hosts almost regained the lead but luckily for South Africa, the crossbar intervened.

In the 85th minute, Tau found himself in a great position but unfortunately could only fire his chance straight at Gomis in the Senegal goal.

Two minutes later, Tau had another chance to grab the lead for the visitors but saw his free-kick fly harmlessly wide.

It was the home side that stole victory with Mbodji heading home in the final minute of stoppage time, grabbing the win for Senegal.

Bafana Bafana

Itumeleng Khune (captain), Thamsanqa Mkhize, S’Fiso Hlanti, Clayton Daniels, Morgan Gould, Dean Furman, Bongani Zungu, Themba Zwane, Percy Tau, Keagan Dolly, Sibusiso Vilakazi

Substitutes: Wayne Sandilands, Erick Mathoho, Tebogo Langerman, Lebogang Manyama, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Kamohelo Mokotjo, Tiyani Mabunda, Dino Ndlovu, Andile Jali, Bradley Grobler, Phakamani Mahlambi, Motjeka Madisha

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