South Africa and Nigeria played to a goalless draw in their Group A 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Cape Town Stadium on Wednesday night.
The result earns Bafana Bafana second spot in the group on four points, two behind Congo who defeated Sudan earlier in the day to move to six points. Nigeria are third on one point.
South Africa created the first clear chance of the game in the sixth minute as Mandla Masango’s cross from the right of the box was deflected into the path of Manyisa, but his shot on target was blocked by Efe Ambrose.
South Africa looked the more fluent of the two sides in attack, even though their lone striker Bongani Ndulula struggled to have much influence on the game despite his effort.
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The best chance for the Super Eagles fell to Nosa Igiebor in the 36th minute, but he shot off target under pressure.
In Ahmed Musa and Emmanuel Emenike, the Super Eagles had the two most potent players on the pitch. However, they were not fed with the ball upfront mainly due to the good work from the likes of Andile Jali and Dean Furman.
In the second half, South Africa brought in Tokelo Rantie for Ndulula up front. The England-based striker shortly after hit the side netting from a tight angle.
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The Super Eagles almost went ahead with 10 minutes of play remaining when Musa’s cross from the right found substitute Christian Osagona. He headed on target, but Erick Mathoho cleared off the goal line to spare the home team from going behind.
Bafana Bafana had the best chance of the match through Tokelo Rantie who used his pace to sprint in behind the Super Eagles’ defence. He found himself one-on-one with Austin Ejide, but the goalkeeper made a fine save to keep the scores goalless.
Teams
South Africa: Meyiwa, Ngcongca, Hlatshwayo, Mathoho, Matlaba, Jali, Furman, Masango (Zwane 82’), Vilakazi, Manyisa, Ndulula (Rantie 46’)
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Nigeria: Ejide, Echiejile, Ambrose, Omeruo, Oboabona, Onazi, Mikel, Igiebor (Aluko 71’), Musa, Salami (Osagona 63’), Emenike
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