A last minute time goal from Bongani Zungu secured a 1-1 draw for South Africa against a Nigerian team that lacked colour and understanding in an international friendly match played at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit yesterday.
Bafana Bafana dominated most of the game, and the Nigerian team were bereft of ideas with Andile Jali denied from the spot by goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi who turned out to be the hero of the Eagles.
Ahmed Musa looked to have provided the sucker punch with five minutes remaining, but Zungu popped up with virtually the last kick of the game to earn a draw for the home side.
Aaron Samuel forced Itumeleng Khune into an early save. The burly forward dusted himself off after being fouled by Erick Mathoho before firing his left-footed free-kick from 25 yards straight at the South African stopper, who was up to the task.
The hosts conjured up their first chance with six minutes on the clock. A well worked one-two between Bongani Zungu and Thulani Hlatshwayo culminating in a first time effort by the Sundowns man, who was denied by a leaping Akpeyi in the Nigerian goals.
Nigeria enjoyed the lion’s share of possession in the opening half-hour, but South Africa looked dangerous on the counter with Thulani Serero, Tokelo Rantie and Sibusiso Vilakazi linking up well. The latter saw his header attempt following a swift move fly wide in the 22nd minute.
Leon Balogun produced a superb block to deny Rantie three minutes later. The Bournemouth striker found himself with a sight at goal, but the Super Eagles defender was in the right place at the right time to deny the Bafana Bafana speedster.
