Africa Cup Of Nations Report: South Africa v Namibia

Bafana Bafana registered their first win at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Namibia 1-0 in Cairo on Friday evening.   Despite Ronwen Williams' heroics, Stuart Baxter gave Darren Keet a start while Sibusiso Vilakazi, Bongani Zungu and Hlompho Kekana were also handed starts.   Stuart Baxter's men enjoyed a lot of the possession early on, but they struggled to carve out a serious attempt at goal.   Namibia, meanwhile, looked lively on the counter attack with the pace of Deon Hotto, who managed to carve out a couple chances for himself although he was let down by his finishing.   The South Africans had to wait until the final 10 minutes for an effort on target as Themba Zwane saw his header saved, while Percy Tau squandered a golden chance by firing straight at the Namibian shot-stopper.   After a quiet opening to the half, Namibia nearly found themselves in front on 64 minutes but Deon Hotto saw his goal-bound effort cleared off the line by Buhle Mkhwanazi.   Namibia were made to rue that miss as Bafana went ahead five minutes later as un-marked Bongani Zungu nodded home a corner after some poor defending.   The South Africans continued pushing for another goal as the second half went on, but Tau was unable to capitalise on his opportunities in the final third.   Baxter threw on Mokotjo and Lars Veldwijk in the latter stages of the second half, but Namibia barely threatened again as Bafana held on for the slender victory.   Teams:   Bafana: Keet, Mkhize, Hlanti, Hlatshwayo, Mkhwanazi, Kekana, Zungu, Tau, Zwane, Vilakazi, Mothiba.
Subs: Bvuma, Williams, Lorch, Mabunda, Mokotjo, Cardoso, Maela, Mphahlele, Maboe, Serero, Veldwijk.
  Namibia: Kazapua, Haoseb, Hanamub, Horaeb, Nyambe, Starke, Ketjijere, Hotto, Shilongo, Shalulile, Shitembe.