By Mark Ogagan
South Africa and Tanzania ended their international friendly encounter in a goalless stalemate at Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane on Friday night.
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos handed senior debuts to Deano Van Rooyen, Khulumani Ndamani, and Simphiwe Selepe – while substitutes Renaldo Leaner and Mohau Nkota also earned their first caps in a youthful squad selection.
The home side came close to breaking the deadlock early on, with Oswin Appollis seeing his fifth-minute effort cleared off the line. Appollis had another opportunity just before the break, but his tame shot was comfortably gathered by the Tanzanian goalkeeper.
Appollis and Patrick Maswanganyi combined well on the left flank throughout the first half, although their early link-up play couldn’t produce a breakthrough. Ashley Cupido tested the visitors from range in the 11th minute but fired narrowly wide, and later set up Thalente Mbatha, whose 30th-minute effort sailed over the bar.
The visiting Taifa Stars created a couple of chances through Feisal Salum and Pascal Gaudence, but neither troubled Bafana goalkeeper Ricardo Goss.
The second half saw fewer clear-cut chances, though South Africa continued to push forward. Appollis missed the target from a set-piece early in the half, while Moremi’s deflected shot in the 57th minute resulted in a corner that yielded nothing.
Bafana Bafana will look to bounce back when they face Mozambique in another friendly at the same venue on Tuesday.
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