South Africa unseat Senegal as Group D Leader

South Africa moved top of 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying Group D following a 2-1 win over Senegal at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday afternoon.

First-half goals from Thulani Hlatshwayo and Thulani Serero leading Bafana Bafana to a moral boosting victory on home soil, with Shakes Mashaba’s men surviving late pressure by the visitors to seal all three points; subsequently making a significant stride in their quest to seal their ticket to Russia.

Cheikh N’Doye scored what proved to be a mere consolation for the Teranga Lions, as arguably Africa’s best team suffered a blow to their chances of reaching a first showpiece in 16 years.

Following a rather cagey start to the game, the visitors started to find their rhythm and while they were always going to be a threat from set-pieces – Sadio Mane emerged as an unlucky threat with the Liverpool man seeing his header attempt wide on nine minutes.

Moussa Konate was then offered time and space on the ball, but the Switzerland-based striker could only succeed in guiding his shot straight at Itumeleng Khune in the 24th minute.

Bafana Bafana showed signs of improvement in the latter exchanges of the first-half and after Keagan Dolly saw his left-footed shot straight at Abdoulaye Diallo – the hosts hit the front.

South Africa awarded a rather contentious penalty after the ball hit Kalidou Koulibaly’s knee. The referee, though, was under the impression that the burly defender had handled the ball and pointed to the spot. Hlatshwayo duly took the onus upon himself and drilled the ball into the back of the net on 43 minutes.

With Senegal still protesting the decision, Bafana Bafana pounced to double their lead in the first minute of stoppage-time. Quick interplay between Keagan Dolly and Mpho Makola setting up Serero, who guided the ball into the back of the net, 2-0 at the break.