FourFourTwoSA writer DYLAN APPOLIS rates the individual performances of the Bafana Bafana players following their 2-1 defeat by Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final on Wednesday evening.
Ronwen Williams: 6/10
The SuperSport United shotstopper made a few brilliant saves to keep his side in the game, but was unable to deal with the corner kick which led to Nigeria’s second goal.
Thamsanqa Mkhize: 5/10
Mkhize endured a tough time at right back and was exposed by the pace of Amhaed Musa on a number of occasions.
Buhle Mkhwanazi: 6.5/10
Mkhwanazi had a decent showing for Bafana alongside Hlatshwayo in defence, but could not prevent conceding a late goal.
Thulani Hlatshwayo: 6/10
The skipper was kept busy in defence by Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo on a few occasions but, like Mkhwanazi, he could do nothing to prevent William Troost-Ekong’s late strike.
Sifiso Hlanti: 5/10
Hlanti failed to command his area and was troubled by Chukuwueze a few times, while he suffered from a lack of composure going forward.
Dean Furman: 6/10
Furman had a good performance in the middle of the park but played his part in conceding the opening goal as he failed to keep a hold of his man in midfield.
Kamohelo Mokotjo: 5/10
Mokotjo was a shadow of himself in midfield and gave away possession on a few occasions.
Bongani Zungu: 8/10
Zungu was one of Bafana’s standout performers on the day and did well going forward and maintaining possession, while scoring the equaliser to get his side back into the game.
Thembinkosi Lorch: 6/10
The Orlando Pirates star failed to emulate the performance he produced against Egypt and lasted 57 minutes before being replaced by Themba Zwane.
Percy Tau: 7/10
The former Sundowns star continued to show his high work-rate level and caused the Super Eagles defence problems with his pace and skills, while assisting South Africa’s equalising goal.
Lebogang Mothiba: 6.5/10
Mothiba struggled to make his presence known in the final third and failed to link up play with the likes of Lorch and Tau.
Substitutes:
Themba Zwane: 6/10
The Sundowns attacker made an impact when he came on in the second half but found it hard to penetrate the Nigerian defence.
Lars Veldwijk: N/A
Was not afforded enough time for a rating.