Group A Results:
South Africa 1 – 3 Nigeria
Mali 2 – 1 Mozamibque
It is now official, the 2014 Orange CHAN tournament hosting nation, South Africa are officially out of the championships. The hosts suffered a humiliating 1- 3 Cape Town Stadium defeat at the hands of African giants, Nigeria in a one of the 2 group A fixtures played concurrently.
Ejike Uzoenyi gave Nigeria the lead in the 22nd minute of play, before Ifeanyi Ede added a second from the penalty spot on the half hour mark after Nigeria were awarded a penalty when Josephs, who was plating in goal because team skipper Khune was out injured had brought down Gbolahan Salami, after he was unable to control a ball into the box.
A live wire Uzoenyi added a second in the second half (after 64 minutes), before Bernard Parker pulled one back for South Africa from the penalty spot. South Africa were awarded a penalty in the 80th minute after Mashego was brought down in the box, and Parker stepped up and converted to make it 3-1 and shoot his personal goal tally to 4 in 3 matches played.
Mali, who lead the group on 7 points beat Mozamibque in the other fixture of the day played at the Anthlone Stadium. The West Africans , who needed a late Idrissa Traore penalty, secured a 2-1 win that sees them qualify for the CHAN knockout stages as winners of Group A.
Mali came from a goal down to capitalize on the situation and eventually win the fixture, Mozambique had taken the lead in the 39th minute through Tiago Josemar’s well taken volley from the edge of the area but the West Africans made quick amends through Ibrourahima Sidibe’s well slotted effort following some sloppy defending from the central African nation.
Action resumes Monday with two Group B fixtures. Log leaders Uganda play Morocco before Zimbabwe entertains Burkina Faso in the other game.
Both games will be played at the same timing to minimize chances of syndicate play.
How the Teams Started:
South Africa:
Moeneeb Josephs, Vuyo Mere, Tebogo Langerman, Thabo Nthethe [c], Tefu Mashamaite, Hlompho Kekana, Matty Pattison, Lindokuhle Mbatha, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Bernard Parker, Siphiwe Tshabalala
Nigeria:
Chigozie Agbim, Solomon Kwambe, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Odunlami Kunle, Erhun Obanor, Bright Eseme, Rabiu Ali, Abullahi Shehu, Ejike Uzoenyi, Gbolahan Salami, Ifeanyi Ede
Mozambique:
Soares Soares, Benedito Bernado, Dario Khan, Franciso Miocho, Joao Mazive, Josemar Machaisse, Manuel Uetimane, Saddan Guambe, Diogo Alberto, Manuel Fernandes, Mario Sinamunda
Mali:
Soumalia Diakite, Oumar Kone, Souleymane konate, Ousmane Keita, Issaka Samake, Adama traore, Cheick Doumbia, Ibrourahima Sidibe, Yaya Samake, Abdoulaye Sissoko, Hamidou Sinayoko
