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Cape Town - Bafana Bafana played to a goalless draw with Ghana in a practice match in Dubai on Saturday.
Coach Stuart Baxter named two separate teams - one that played in first half and the other in the last 45 minutes - in a bid to give every player a run ahead of the AFCON tournament scheduled to kick off next week.
Played in blazing heat, Bafana started the brighter of the two and could have taken the lead in the second minute, but Thulani Serero opted to pass from the edge of the box and Ghana survived.
There was very little goal mouth action in the opening stanza as the scorching heat took centre stage, although Ghana at times were threatening.
The second half was a different ball game altogether as the Bafana second side, led by Lebogang Maboe, was buzzing throughout the last 45 minutes and with steady shooting, could have surprised their opponents.
Baxter said he was pleased with the exercise saying the team was not completely ready, but was slowly getting there.
Bafana’s next game is against Angola, in another practice match, scheduled for Aero Sports Club in Cairo.
Team 1:
Darren Keet, Thamsanqa Mkhize, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Buhle Mkwhanazi, Sifiso Hlanti, Dean Furman, Kamohelo Mokotjo, Thulani Serero, Thembinkosi Lorch, Percy Tau, Lebo Mothiba
Team 2:
Darren Keet/Ronwen Williams, Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Innocent Maela, Daniel Cardoso, Hlompho Kekana, Tiyani Mabunda, Bongani Zungu, Sbusiso Vilakazi, Themba Zwane, Lebo Maboe, Lars Veldwijk
