Eswatini holds Bafana Bafana at bay with a solid defensive performance.

Eswatini holds Bafana Bafana at bay with a solid defensive performance.

South Africa faced a determined Eswatini side in an international friendly match at Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium on Friday night.
The contest ended in a goalless draw, marking Bafana’s fourth consecutive match without a defeat across all competitions. Their next destination is Abidjan, where they are set to square off against Ivory Coast on Tuesday.

On the other side, Eswatini extended their streak without a win to four matches in all competitions, and they are gearing up to clash with Botswana in Lobatse on Monday.

Right from the opening whistle, Bafana controlled the match, with Mihlali Mayambela showing his liveliness. In contrast, Sihlangu Semnikati preferred a more defensive approach, opting for quick counterattacks.

Mayambela played a key role in setting up Themba Zwane, but goalkeeper Khanyakwezwe Shabalala denied Zwane’s close-range effort in the fifth minute, following a swift move by the home team.

Mayambela and Khanyisa Mayo combined, resulting in Mayo’s low shot, well saved by Shabalala in the 27th minute, leaving the score deadlocked at 0-0 by halftime.

As the game resumed, Bafana continued to apply pressure to Eswatini’s defense. Substitutes Bongokuhle Hlongwane and Mduduzi Mdantsane came close but couldn’t find the net from close range in the 64th minute.

Sihlangu Semnikati remained steadfast in their defensive efforts, occasionally launching a few opportunities in the latter stages of the match.
However, they couldn’t beat the vigilant Veli Mothwa in goal, and the contest concluded with a 0-0 draw.