TheCable

Gernot Rohr’s unbeaten run came to an end on Saturday as South Africa defeated the Super Eagles 2-0 in an African Cup of Nations qualifying match.

The encounter, which took place at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Akwa Ibom, was the first time that South Africa would defeat Nigeria in a competitive match.

The Super Eagles got the game’s first attempt on goal in the 13th minute but Kelechi Iheanacho’s well-struck shot was thumped away by the Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune.

South Africa soon got into the game, and their fluidity on the ball almost paid off when Subosiso Vilakazi struck a shot which was saved by Daniel Akpeyi.

Oghenekaro Etebo almost got the curtain raiser for the Ealges but his effort flew past Khune.

Thambe Zwane’s shot hit the bar as both sides cancelled each other out in the opening 45 minutes.

While neither side could find the back of the net in the first half, the goals surfaced in the second half, albeit for the away side.

Danger man Tokelo Rantie shocked the home team when he netted the first goal for South Africa in the 55th minute.

Percy Muzi Tau scored the second for South Africa in the 82nd minute to wrap up the game for Bafana Bafana.

Nigeria’s next AFCON match is against Seychelles on March 27.