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Percy Tau (Photo by Lefty Shivambu / Gallo Images)
South Africa will once again have to take the tough qualifying route after a 1-1 draw against a second-row Ghana in their qualification for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations at the FNB Stadium on Thursday night.
A wasteful and sometimes inexplicably lethargic SA conceded first in the 49th minute when Mohammed Kudus found a way through Ronwen Williams, but the hosts responded three minutes later through Percy Tau.
The draw, which was almost a victory for the Black Stars, secured a second-row team from Ghana a place in the continental top competition with 10 points in their pocket and Sao Tome and Principe in their sights.
South Africa, which has a better head-to-head record against the Sudanese team they face on Sunday at Omdurman, must avoid defeat to join Ghana as Group C qualifier.
SA also has 10 points, but not entirely out of the woods and you will be disappointed to have drawn a game that in essence should have won with some ease.
That South Africa did not score in the first half was one of the mysteries of football that is exclusive to them.
That they played well despite losing a fit Andile Jali to a groin injury in the 21st minute was excellent.
In the second half, Jali’s experience was lost as the visitors took control of the midfield battle and swarmed the game, but outplayed Ben Motshwari.
That said, South Africa dazzled and dazzled in the first half, but failed in front of goal when it really counted.
Thapelo Morena, who did everything they asked him to do on the right flank, but could not finish off the fifth and 31-minute chance that was presented to him.
Both opportunities originated on the left flank, where S’Fiso Hlanti and Innocent Maela always outscored Benson Anang.
The opportunities presented to Morena hit the side net instead of beating Razak Abalora.
Abalora had a close moment when a header from Tau went wide in the 19th minute, but a minute later, he earned his salary when a shot from Hlanti forced him to make an excellent save.
Ghana, content to defend deeply and try to trap the hosts on the counter, only got a clear chance when Mubarak Wakaso’s free kick didn’t bother Williams.
The Black Stars looked menacing as they advanced, with Siyanda Xulu looking especially flustered.
It was through his mistake in the 49th minute that Kudus scored from, with the defender unnecessarily undecided with a ball approaching him. Kudus grabbed the ball and passed Williams sideways.
The hosts responded with some venom and tied three minutes later through Tau, who looked like he couldn’t make it to the second half with an ankle problem.
The assist from an underutilized Ruzaigh Gamildien was quality, but Tau’s weaker and more impacted right foot shot was of the highest level.
The visitors quickly took control of the game and pushed South Africa hard, but the only chance they had was through Afriyie Acquah’s 78-minute chance to stray from Williams’ net.
South Africa were also asking questions and Themba Zwane, who had a poor game, blew two chances in the 74th and 80th minutes.
At the first opportunity, he was too slow to react to a ball that crossed him and when Maela’s shot in the 80th minute was not picked up by Abalora, he was slow to react to the rebound.
SA had no better chances and now has a rather difficult match to negotiate in Sudan on Sunday.
