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Bafana, Mozambique share the spoils in Maputo

Cape Town - Bafana Bafana and Mozambique have played to a 1-1 draw in an international friendly at the Estadio do Zimpeto in Maputo.

With Shakes Mashaba suspended, caretaker coach, Owen da Gama made eight changes to the side that beat Senegal 2-1 in an 2018 Soccer World Cup qualifier on Saturday.

As it happened: Mozambique v Bafana Bafana 

Perhaps the most talked about change was the fact that Lars Veldwijk would lead the attack.

Bafana Bafana has the first chance of the match as early as the 2nd minute with Thuso Phala firing wide after good work by Ramahlwe Mphahlele down the right flank. 

Mozambique quickly entered their stride with Elias Pelembe shooting straight at Ronwen Williams. 

Veldwijk had his first chance of the night in the 14th minute but unfortunately could only direct a header wide of goal after more excellent work from Mphahlele. 

Despite the visitors chances, it was the home side that broke the deadlock in the 26th minute as Pelembe hit the post only for Clesio to collect the rebound and score.

In the 30th minute, Mozambique had a chance to double their lead but Lolo sent his close-range header wide of the posts. 

With neither side managing any other clear cut opportunities after this, the teams went into half-time with the score 1-0 in the home side's favour. 

Da Gama made a number of changes at half-time, bringing on Keagan Dolly, Bradley Grobler, Asavela Mbekile and Mpho Makola.

The changes paid dividends with Grobler guiding the ball home in the 56th minute, assisted by the impressive Mphahlele.

Mozambique almost took the lead immediately thereafter when Pelembe hit the crossbar in the 61st minute. 

In the 70th minute, Makola had a great chance to give the lead to South Africa, but unfortunately could not connect cleanly enough after some decent build-up play by Grobler.

With six minutes left in regulation time, it was that man Pelembe who caused South Africa's defence further trouble when he whipped in a dangerous free-kick which was headed over the bar. 

In the 89th minute it was South Africa who were denied a winner by the woodwork with Clayton Daniels effort hitting the bar. 

With no further chances during the three minutes of added time, the match ended with the teams locked at 1-1. 


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