Our man Joel Musa takes a look at the Afcon 2015 Qualifier between the “Bafana Bafana of South Africa and the “Super Eagles of Nigeria, for comments or feedback you can tweet @slysage and @NewFanzone also follow both handles and we will follow you right back
The Super Eagles took an arduous trip to Cape Town after getting outclassed on home turf by the Red Devils of Congo on a wing and a prayer. The morale was dampened, perhaps aided by the uncertainty surrounding the Coach’s future and maybe the shenanigans of the egg heads at the Glass House.
Shakes Mashaba had been throwing taunts all week and had raised the hope of his countrymen who are desperately seeking for a competitive win against their bitter rivals but were able to snatch a fair draw, their second competitive point against the reigning African Champions in 20 years, after a dogged performance.
The game started on an attritional note, both sides easing their selves into the game with short, sideways passes. Both teams maintained a good shape but the Bafana Bafana sat deep, overcrowding the trequartista – Nosa Igiebor and allowing bulky forward Emmanuel Emenike no space at all. Ahmed Musa hadn’t no joy on the flank as the fullback was equipped to nullify his pace.
The notable moment of the half came towards its end when Mikel got into a spat after South Africa’s No. 11 rough handled him. Nigerian fans might still be frustrated by his performances but he seems to have some passion lately.
The second half saw the standard of the game degenerate. The visitors visibly fatigued while the hosts were seemingly content to hold out for a draw.
Osaguana Ighodaro, who came in for Gbolahan Salami almost scored after good work on right by Ahmed Musa on the 63rd minute but a defender cleared on the line.
On the 71st minute, former England youth player Sone Aluko came in for Igiebor and his most notable contribution was a tame shot from outside the box.
South Africa almost snatched a late win after a goal-mouth melee, but the Eagles defenders cleared. The draw means Nigeria is third in the group with a single point. It also means that Stephen Keshi’s team has won just one of its last ten matches.
Joel Musa
newfanzone 