Awful, Eagles lose 0-2 to Bafana Bafana

South African defender Mphahlele Ramahlwe (left) vies with Nigeria's Elderson Echiejile during the 2019 African Cup of Nations qualifier match at the Goodswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, yesterday.PHOTO: AFP

Bafana Bafana, yesterday, defeated the Super Eagles 2-0, its first competitive win over the Nigerian side, in an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group E qualifier played at the Akwa Ibom International Stadium, Uyo.

The Eagles started making efforts in the early minutes of the first half, through attempts by Wilfred Ndidi, in the 10th minute, and Oghenekaro Etebo’s in the 21st. On the whole, the Coach Gernot Rohr-led team missed chances against the resilient South Africans.

With the three-time African champions completely in control of the match, their efforts failed to translate into goals, even as fans cheered every of their moves.
At the beginning of the second half, the Eagles quickly moved into action attacking their opponents unrelentlessly. However, attempts at getting an opener failed to materialise.

It was not long before Tokelo Rantie, silenced the Nigerian fans with a header, near the post, which went past sloppy Daniel Akpeyi in goal. After the goal, Super Eagles appeared to lose concentration as efforts by the South Africans to increase the tally through counter attacks mounted.

Their efforts were rewarded nicely as the match was put beyond the home team in the 80th minute, when the visitors scored their second goal through Percy Tau, who coasted past a hapless Akpeyi.