By: Andile Nxumalo

Bafana Bafana has managed for the first time, to beat Senegal after six matches failing to get the better of the Taranga Lions.

After suffering from a 3-1 thumping to Mauritania in a competitive match, Bafana Bafana impressed when they narrowly edged Senegal 1-0 in the Nelson Mandela Challenge at

Orlando Stadium yesterday.  However, this is not something the fans embraces as the side continues to win friendlies rather than official competitive games.

Shakes Mashaba made seven changes from the team that was far from convincing when they were chasing shadows. The notable changes were the defensive duo of Eric Matoho and

Rivaldo Coetzee and were replaced by Clayton Daniels and Siyabonga Nhlapho.

The game started off on a high for the home side as Thamsanqa Gabuza tried to use his physique to boss Senegal’s defense, but his attempts yielded no goals.

The Orlando Pirates marksman continued to be a threat to the Taranga Lions’ defense but there was no goal to show for it.

The game went to half time scoreless as both sides refused to make mistakes.

On the hour mark, the Aliou Cissé’s men made a tactical change as they brought on Koulibaly for Mbodji and that changed the tempo of the game as the ball possession was equally shared thereafter.

The goal would eventually come on the 78th minute courtesy of Mpho Makola; the debutant beautifully unleashed a well taken shot to the top corner to give Shakes Mashaba’s charges
the lead.

In the dying minutes of the game, Senegal tried to pull one back but Clayton Daniels and co proved to be rock solid for the home side’s defence.