Andorra hold on to draw against Bafana Bafana

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Bafana Bafana were unable to capitalize on a dominant performance with Andorra holding on for a scrappy 1-1 draw.

Both sides met at the 19 May 1956 Stadium in Annaba Algeria in a FIFA Series International Friendly, with Bafana looking to build on their third place finish in the African Cup of Nations.

Hugo Broos opted to play an inexperienced side, giving Mlondi Mbanjwa, Elias Mokwana, Thapelo Xoki and Patrick Maswanganyi their international debuts.

It was a poor start from South Africa with Andorran forward Ricard Fernandez Betriu capitalizing on an horrendous error at the back from goalkeeper Ricardo Goss, who failed to control  a pass from Nkosinathi Sibisi.

Bafana responded well, scoring an equalizer in the 25th minute thanks to Mokwana, beating Andorran goalkeeper Josep Gomes after driving into the penalty area.

Bafana grew into the game and proceeded to dominate statistically.  Broos’s side managed 80 percent possession to Andorra’s 20 and registered 16 shots at goal throughout the 90 minutes.

Maswanganyi’s effort in the 72nd minute was the closest both sides came to breaking the deadlock but it was well saved by Gomes.

In the end both sides failed to get a winner, despite South Africa’s best efforts and dominance throughout the contest.  Bafana’s next fixture will take place on the 26th of March in another FIFA Series International Friendly.  They will face Algeria at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers.

 

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Dylan Johnson