Bafana held by Namibia in Cosafa Cup opener

South Africa’s quest to win a sixth Cosafa Cup title got off to a slow start on Wednesday evening when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Namibia in a Group A clash held at the King Zwelithini Stadium.

Looking to join Botswana on three points (following the Zebras’ win over Eswatini earlier in the day), Bafana Bafana found themselves behind after Elmo Kambindu’s header late in the first half, but replied with a fine strike from Rowan Human soon after the restart. Morena Ramoreboli’s side went on to dominate the remainder of the match, but were unable to force a winner.

Namibia made the early running in an attacking sense, but South Africa had the first chance on nine minutes when Keegan Allan headed wide of the near post from a corner kick, and a minute later a scramble in the visitors’ penalty area almost brought an opening goal for the tournament hosts.

On 13 minutes Namibia’s Rudath Wendell had a brilliant solo run in the penalty area, but his attempted finish was a weak one, and 10 minutes later a sweeping attacking move from SA ended with Tebogo Tlolane shooting straight at goalkeeper Edward Maova after great set-up play from Shaune Mogaila and Victor Letsoalo.

The teams traded spells of dominance through the remainder of the first half, with the Brave Warriors claiming the lead in the 43rd minute: Muzeu Bethuel did great work down the right flank before playing a cross to the unmarked Elmo Kambindu, who headed home to see his side 1-0 up at the break.

Bafana Bafana made four changes at the start of the second half and were rewarded with an equalising goal in the 48th minute. One of the substitutes, Tshegofatso Mabasa saw an initial chance smothered by Maova, but he did well to keep the ball alive, allowing fellow replacement Rowan Human to crash home a volley for 1-1.

On 65 minutes South Africa almost claimed the lead for the first time, with both Mabasa and Lyle Lakay seeing goal-bound shots turned away, sparking a spell of dominance for the hosts.

Yet further clear chances did not materialise, with Namibia able to hold firm in defence and secure a share of the spoils.

The teams will be back in Group A action on Saturday 8 July, with South Africa facing Botswana, followed by Namibia battling Eswatini.

South Africa (0) 1 (Human 48’)

Namibia (1) 1 (Kambindu 43’)

SA: Barr, Sikhakhane, Kobedi (Human 46’), Allan (Rayners 46’), Mohamme, Mogaila, Cele, Lakay, Kapinga (Palace 87’), Tlolane (Mthethwa 46’), Letsoalo (Mabasa 46’)

Namibia: Maova, Kamberipa, Amutenya, Gebhardt, Ilmbondi (Amutenya 65’), Fredericks, Papama (Somseb 90+3’), Petrus, Wendell, Bethuel (Damaseb 79’), Kambindu (Petrus 65’)