Bafana hold Black Stars in Durban
Ayanda Patosi scored a second half goal as South Africa fought back to draw 1-1 with the Black Stars at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesday night.
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Both South Africa and Ghana came into the international friendly in Durban on the back of disappointing draws in their opening group stage 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, against Burkina Faso and Uganda respectively.
Bafana Bafana and the Black Stars rested some key players with Mamelodi Sundowns winger Keagan Dolly and Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune notable absentees for the hosts.
The Black Stars started the clash on the front foot with Brighton Mhlongo - on debut - forced into an early save by Newcastle United wide man Christian Atsu in the seventh minute of the game.
Patosi had a chance to open the scoring at the other end of the park, but was denied by Adam Kwarasey before Ghana took the lead from the penalty spot in the 38th minute.
The referee left with little choice after Isaac Nhlapo brought down Harrison Afful inside the penalty area. Mubarak Wakaso duly stepped, directing a powerful shot past Mhlongo - the Orlando Pirates goalkeeper guessing the right way, but the former Celtic midfielder's shot was too powerful.
Bafana Bafana came out firing after the break and pulled level in the 51st minute of the clash. Sibusiso Vilakazi turned his man before picking out Patosi; the Lokeren forward with a stunning shot that left the Ghanaian goal-minder flailing at thin air.
The rest of the stanza failed to conjure further clear-cut chances as the game ended in a stalemate.
Bafana Bafana next take on Senegal with the home fixture to play a pivotal role in determining if Shakes Mashaba's troops book a ticket to Russia. The Black Stars are away to Egypt on the 13th of November.