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Bafana sink Liberia to secure AFCON ticket

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Zakhele Lepasa
Zakhele Lepasa

Bafana Bafana have secured their spot at next year's Africa Cup of Nations with a 2-1 victory over Liberia on Tuesday evening.

Two-goal hero Lyle Foster was named on the bench along with Themba Zwane, as Zakhele Lepasa, Innocent Maela, Nyiko Mobbie, Mihlali Mayambela and Sphelelo Sithole were recalled by coach Hugo Broos.

Given the high stakes, Bafana took the lead on 19 minutes where Lepasa ran in-behind following a ball over the top and tucked in comfortably after beating the offside trap.

Bafana enjoyed the lion share of the overall momentum thereafter and easily picked out the runs of Percy Tau, Sithole and Mobbie around the defensive area of the Lone Stars, but they were unable to add to the advantage. 

However, the Lone Stars weathered the storm and levelled ten minutes to halftime when a low strike from range by William Jebor beat the gloves of Ronwen Williams and rolled in the net. 

Liberia brought on a double substitution ahead of the second half, having brought on Mohammed Sangare and Tonia Tisdell, who spear-headed their comeback at Orlando Stadium on Friday.

The South Africans, though, were back ahead on 53 minutes after Mayambela raced onto a loose ball following a spill by Tommy Songo and drilled a first-time shot from a close-range in the net.

With the tie in the balance, Bafana coach Hugo Broos opted to refresh his stall out on the park and took off Mayambela to bring on Bongokuhle Hlongwane.

Bafana managed to work more chances albeit on the counter-attack and on a couple of occasion caught the Lone Stars through the runs of substitute Cassius Mailula and Thapelo Morena.

The visitors were on the edge in the closing minutes as the Lone Stars pushed for the equaliser, but Williams particularly stood firm and helped Bafana to the win.

Confirmed line-up:

Bafana Bafana: Williams, Mobbie, Xulu, Mvala, Maela, Mokoena, Sithole, Morena, Mayambela, Tau, Lepasa

Subs: Mothwa, Goss, Le Roux, Sibisi, Kekana, Foster, Modiba, Saleng, Zwane, Mailula, Hlongwane

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