Bafana thrash Burkina Faso to keep SWC dream alive

Cape Town - Bafana Bafana have kept their slim chance of qualifying for the 2018 Soccer World Cup alive by thrashing Burkina Faso 3-1 in a Group D Africa qualifier at FNB Stadium. 

As it happened: South Africa v Burkina Faso

South Africa got off to the perfect start, scoring in just the first minute when Percy Tau headed home after an excellent flick on by Clayton Daniels from a long throw-in. 

Burkina Faso had their first chance in the 11th minute but Daniels managed to provide an excellent block, forcing the ball out for a corner. 

The visitors made an early change in the 31st minute, bringing on Aristide Bance to replace Cyrille Bayala. 

Almost immediately after the substitution, the home side doubled their lead in the 33rd minute thanks to Themba Zwane who easily beat the keeper after he was played in by Andile Jali.

And things got even better for the home side when Sibusiso Vilakazi got himself on the scoresheet in first-half injury time after Tau had held the ball up and then found him with a brilliant back heel to make the score 3-0 to the home side at the break. 

At the start of the second half, Zwane had an excellent chance for his second but unfortunately shot wide.

Burkina Faso finally had their first shot on goal in the 53rd minute as Bertrand Traore saw his effort punched away by Itumeleng Khune.

In the 61st minute, Vilakazi had a chance to add his second goal of the day after he was played in by Tau but unfortunately he could only shoot wide with just the keeper to beat. 

And then things turned a little nasty in the 63rd minute after Burkina Faso players took offence at a Thamsanqa Mkhize tackle.

As a result Bongani Zungu received his marching orders from the resulting fracas. 

Burkina Faso pulled a goal back in the 86th minute through an Alain Traore free-kick but it was a case of too little too late as South Africa closed out the encounter to record an emphatic win. 

South Africa

Itumeleng Khune (captain), Thamsanqa Mkhize, Sifiso Hlanti, Morgan Gould, Clayton Daniels, Bongani Zungu, Kamohelo Mokotjo, Themba Zwane, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Andile Jali, Percy Tau

Substitutes: Ronwen Williams (GK), Motjeka Madisha, Tebogo Langerman, Robyn Johannes, Hlompho Kekana, Keagan Dolly, Thulani Serero, Phakamani Mahlambi, Lebohang Manyama, Lebogang Mothiba, Dino Ndlovu, Bradley Grobler