Bafana Bafana took a major step as far as their World Cup qualification is concerned following their 2-0 win over Benin on Tuesday.
South Africa took their tally to 13 points from six games, five ahead of both Rwanda and Benin, while Nigeria have seven, Lesotho six and Zimbabwe four.
Hugo Broos’ side failed to open up the Benin defence in the first half before Lyle Foster and Jayden Adams scored in the second half to secure maximum points.
Broos made three changes from his starting XI and there was a great show from those who came in while some disappointed. Afrik-Foot rates how Bafana Bafana players performed against Benin.
Ronwen Williams 6.5/10
The Bafana Bafana No.1 did not have much to do apart from a good save in the first half to deny Junior Olaitan but his distribution was good and helped launch some attacks.
Khuliso Mudau 6/10
The right-back’s decision-making when he went forward was not great and should have set up Lyle Foster in the first when opted to shoot. He spent most of his time higher up as Benin did not really threaten.
Siyabonga Ngezana 7/10
Another assured display at centre-back for the Rumania-based defender who kept the Benin dangermen quiet.
Nkosinathi Sibisi 7.5/10
The Pirates defender continues to impress in national team colours and his overall reading of the game, tackling and clearances were impressive.
Fawaaz Basadien 8.5/10
Very forward thinking, the Stellenbosch left-back was a thorn in the flesh for Benin and brought in a number of good balls in the box. He created the opening goal after good run followed by a great pass.
Thalente Mbatha 8.5/10
Returned to the side with Teboho Mokoena missing and put in a great display. Mbatha protected the defence, cleared danger and ensured that Benin did not threaten the Bafana goal.
Bathusi Aubaas 8/10
An impressive player in Abidjan, the Mamelodi Sundowns man formed a great partnership with Mbatha that made Bafana Bafana so hard to penetrate while he dealt well with the few challenges thrown his way.
Thapelo Morena 7/10
Played out wide, the Sundowns ace showed great pace and positivity especially in the first half, and should have ended the game with an assist were it not for some poor finishing.
Percy Tau 5/10
Just like against Lesotho, the Qatar SC forward failed to sparkle yet again as he alternated between the No10 and left wing.
Relebohile Mofokeng 5.5/10
The match winner against Lesotho, the Pirates youngster was not visible on Tuesday apart from a few flashes of brilliance in the first half and struggled to play in the No10 role, which limited his pace and movement like he does when he plays on the left wing.
Lyle Foster 7.5/10
The Burnley forward opened the scoring in some fortunate circumstances but should have scored much earlier after being fed by Williams and when Mudau failed to square to him.
Substitutes
Oswin Appollis 6.5/10
Introduced for Mofokeng, he created the second goal and also had some late opportunities.
Jayden Adams 7.5/10
Headed in the second goal after coming on with 15 minutes to go to continue from where he left off against Lesotho.
Iqraam Rayners NA
Came on with one minute of regulation time to go and did not have an impact on the game.
