Wilson Chipangura, Guest Reporter
JOHANNESBURG – A late goal by Bongokuhle Hlongwane was enough for South Africa to see off Ghana in a 2022 Qatar World Cup qualifiers Group G match played on Monday at the FNB Stadium.
The result means Bafana Bafana top the group with 4 points from two games ahead of Ghana on 3 points while Zimbabwe and Ethiopia who have played a game less are one 1 point and zero respectively.
South Africa who look rejuvenated under coach Hugo Broos have been going about their business quietly but decisively in their games.
They were the better side when they faced their northern neighbours Zimbabwe last Friday in a dab draw in Harare and on any day victory would have been a reality.
South Africa put that disappointing afternoon behind them when they faced fancied Black Stars of Ghana and with the game almost heading for a stalemate, Hlongwane had other ideas in the 83rd minute.
Bafana were on top of things in this contest with an overall 53% ball possession against Ghana’s 47% and had 4 shots on target while their opponents managed on one.
South Africa registered 392 passes with an excellent passing accuracy of 81% while the Black Stars only managed 361 passes with a 79% accuracy.
Ghana will look to bounce back when they face Zimbabwe in their next game likely to be played this November.
Zimbabwe face Ethiopia at Bahir Dar stadium on Tuesday in a match both teams are desperate to win in this group G winner takes all affair.
Result:
South Africa 1-0 Ghana (Bongokuhle Hlongwane 83′)
Fixture:
Ethiopia vs Zimbabwe (07/09/2021 at 1500hrs CAT)
