By Temoso Mokhoenyana
Bafana Bafana’s friendly match against Tanzania ended in a stalemate, with the South Africa national soccer team unable to break the deadlock during its clash with Tanzania at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on the 6 June.
Coach Hugo Broos used the opportunity to give fringe players a chance, introducing three debutants – Khulumani Ndamane, Deano Van Rooyen, and Simphiwe Selepe – in the absence of key Mamelodi Sundowns players.
Bafana Bafana kicked off the match on a promising note, carving out scoring opportunities from the get-go. As early as the third minute, Oswin Appollis had a golden chance, only for his effort to be cleared off the line.
Despite dominating possession and threatening Tanzania’s goal throughout the first half, the hosts were unable to capitalize on their chances, leaving the scoreboard blank at halftime. The second half mirrored the first, with Bafana dominating possession and pressuring the Tanzanian goal.
Coach Hugo Broos made tactical substitutions, introducing Sekhukhune United’s Renaldo Leaner in goal, replacing Ricardo Goss. Tanzania also made changes to give their bench players game time, but neither team’s substitutes could make a decisive impact, resulting in a goalless stalemate.
Bafana Bafana will look to bounce back in their next friendly against Mozambique at the Peter Mokaba Stadium next Tuesday, kickoff 7:30 PM.