The Black Stars came from a goal behind to beat South Africa 2-1 and book their place in the quarterfinals as Group C winners, with Bafana finishing bottom of the group of death.
Bafana had scored in the second half of their two games against Algeria and Senegal, but last night Mandla Masango, making his first appearance at the tournament, found the opener with a dipping volley to beat Ghana goalkeeper Braimah Razak.
It hadn’t been through their dominance in having the lion’s share of the ball possession though. Ghana were actually seeing more of the ball.
Although the early lead eased the tension, Bafana were soon to give it up like they have done in all their games in this competition. In the 72nd minute, substitute John Boye levelled matters – a result that would see both the Black Stars and SA head home. But Ghana pulled themselves up by the bootstraps and dangerman Andre Ayew struck the winner 12 minutes later.
Bafana never had their fate in their hands coming into this clash. What was even more of a disappointment was that they hardly played like a side with that bit of information in mind. This was the worst performance at the Afcon for Mashaba’s men. Needing to add to Masango’s first-half goal and keep a clean sheet, especially after Algeria had twice breached the Senegal defence in Malabo in the other Group C clash, Bafana ditched all that enterprising play from earlier in the tournament to aimless long balls that never found the target.
Mashaba’s starting line-up had not inspired confidence when he announced it the morning of this do-or-die encounter.
Yet again, Mashaba had decided to change the man between the sticks, omitting Jackson Mabokgwane.
This young team had come here to “learn” and hopefully clinch the tournament as a bonus. However, Mashaba’s strange decisions in his line-up will be questioned.
Going forward, he will have to be more decisive and know his starting XI, and, more crucially, who he wants in goals. In this tournament, he changed a keeper for every match, which is not ideal.
-sowetan