BAFANA V NIGERIA PLAYER RATINGS: (Out of 10) 6 Senzo Meyiwa – The captain didn’t have much to do with the back four keeping the Nigerian attackers at bay. 8 Thulani Hlatshwayo – Gave Ahmed Musa a very difficult time and in general, ‘Tyson’ played his heart out. 6 Thabo Matlaba – Adventurous as always, but his final pass needs some accuracy. 7 Anele Ngcongca – Cut out some Nigerian attacks and looked very comfortable playing in a centre-back role rather than his usual position at right back. 8 Mulomowandau Mathoho – The big defender made vital blocks and cleared Osaguona’s header off the line with ten minutes to play, and kept Emenike in check without fail throughout the match. 8 Dean Furman – Showed his class once again and, as always, he was solid in central midfield. 6 Mandla Masango – A quiet night for the Chiefs man, who didn’t get forward nearly enough. *9 Andile Jali – South Africa’s best player on the night without a shadow of a doubt. To say he frustrated John Obi Mikel would be an understatement and with or without the ball, Jali looked very much in control. Outstanding performance. 6 Bongani Ndulula – Former Bafana Bafana midfielder Steven Pienaar was impressed with Ndulula’s contribution, tweeting that the striker’s “hold up play is good”. Unfortunately he had to make way for Rantie at the break due to a hamstring injury. 6 Oupa Manyisa – Combined well with Jali at times, but playing on the wing rather than in a central midfield role perhaps made things difficult for him to make an impact. 6 Sibusiso Vilakazi– At times he held on to the ball when the best option could have been to release it immediately. Also should have shot at goal in the closing minutes, but opted to take another touch and the moment was lost. 6 Tokelo Rantie – Got a couple of chances after coming on for Ndulula at the interval, but even with the game’s best chance in the 84th minute – a one-on-one situation with Ejide - he couldn’t take advantage. Worked hard at closing down the Nigerian defenders and never gave them time to rest. Themba Zwane – Came on for Masango with eight minutes remaining and didn’t play long enough for a rating.
Posted on: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 08:02:41 +0000