South Africa turn the style on Namibia

• South Africa thrashed Namibia 4-0
• Themba Zwane struck a hattrick
• Group E now remains open

South Africa bounced back to winning ways with a 4-0 thrashing of Namibia in their second Group  E match at the Africa Cup of Nations in Korhogo. Themba ‘Mshishi’ Zwane struck a sublime brace for Bafana Bafana.

Percy Tau and Thapelo Maseko scored the other two goals for Bafana Bafana as they bounced back from their opening day defeat to Mali. With the result, the group is now open, with Mali leading on four points, South Africa second with three, same as Namibia, but with an inferior goal difference.

The last round of matches will now bear much for the two teams that automatically make the last 16.

Having lost to Mali, South African knew they had to give their best and avoid a second defeat against Namibia. They broke the deadlock after 11 minutes, punishing Namibia for two early missed chances.

VAR awarded Bafana a penalty for a handball inside the box by Hanamub Welwin as he battled for the ball with Thapelo Morena. Tau stepped up, and converted.

Earlier on, Namibia had missed two glorious opportunities to break the deadlock from close range, first Prince Tjueza firing wide from close range while in the second instance, Peter Shalulile, who plays his club football in South Africa with Mamelodi Sundowns missed another sitter after beating his marker to the ball.

South Africa keep composure

Percy Tau is joined by teammates in celebrating his goal. photo/CAF

South Africa kept their composure even after going 1-0 up. They doubled their lead in the 25^th minute when Zwane finished off a brilliant cross from Morena. They made it 3-0 just before the break, Zwane scoring a goal from some brilliant individual play, dribbling his way on the left before clipping the ball over the keeper.

In the second half, Namibia tried to put in some effort for a comeback, with Shalulile and Deon Hotto, who also plays in South Africa with Orlando Pirates coming close with good scoring opportunities which went begging.

Namibia were pegged back quarter of an hour to the end when Maseko’s shot was too strong for the keeper who saw it slip through his hands.

Speaking after the match, brace hero Themba Zwane paid tribute to his teammates for the effort they put and say that focus now fully shifts to their last match of the group, where they hope to win and confirm a place in the last 16.

“Each game, I go with confidence of scoring goals. Players that attack need to score, and I am glad to have scored and received this award. It means a lot to get the Man of the Match award and very happy to get the win today,” Zwane said after the match.

Give their all against Tunisia

South Africa’s Themba Zwane celebrates his goal against Namibia. PHOTO/CAF

Commenting on the next opponent, Zwane said they would do a thorough analysis on Tunisia and plan accordingly for the north African giants.

“We know that it is not over yet. It’s going to be a difficult one against Tunisia. We are going to analyze them properly and come with a plan. We know that we definitely need win to in order to qualify,” he added.

Tunisia are winless and have just a point and are under pressure coming into the duel against South Africa. Bafana will affirm their place in the last 16 with just a draw, but they have vowed to go all out and bank for a win.

Coach Hugo Broos at the same time was full of praise for his side following their performance and notes that it now makes them stronger mentally heading into the tie against Tunisia and by extension the rest of the tournament.