Player ratings: Bafana v Nigeria

Cape Town - Sport24 rates how Bafana Bafana players fared as they faced African champions Nigeria at a buzzing Cape Town Stadium in their second Group A AFCON 2015 qualifying match.

As it happened: Bafana v Nigeria

Coach Shakes Mashaba made just two changes to the national side following their 3-0 victory over Sudan in Khartoum. Keagan Dolly and Tokelo Rantie were dropped to the substitute’s bench with the coach giving Oupa Manyisa and Sibusiso Vilakazi a chance to impress.

Dean Furman and Andile Jali both had fantastic games with the latter picking up the man of the match award. The pair were brilliant as they constantly broke down any Nigerian momentum and comfortably dealt with international star John Obi Mikel.

Thabo Matlaba and Erick Mathoho again proved to be rock-solid in defence which afforded the likes of Oupa Manyisa and and Sibusiso Vilakazi to attack the Super Eagles freely. 

Fans inside the stadium were left to rue some of the decision making made by Bafana Bafana particularly on attack. The side were unable to make the most of their dominance in a match they should have won.  

Bafana Bafana next face Congo, a side with two wins so far in their qualifying campaign, away from home October 11 and return to South Africa for the home leg on October 15.

Bafana Bafana are in second position in Group A, just two points behind Congo but more importantly three points ahead of the Super Eagles. 

Here is how Sport24 rated the Bafana Bafana players:

1. Senzo Meyiwa (C) - 8

2. Anele Ngcongca - 8

3. Thabo Matlaba - 9

4. Thulani Hlatshwayo - 8

5. Erick Mathoho - 8.5

6. Dean Furman - 9

7. Mandla Masango - 6.5

8. Andile Jali – 9.5

9. Oupa Manyisa - 9

10. Sibusiso Vilakazi - 9

13. Themba Zwane - 7