1 September 2017 – South Africa were stunned by underdogs Cape Verde in Praia as the islanders derailed Bafana Bafana’s chances of reaching Russia 2018.

After taking a 13th minute lead through Tokelo Rantie, the visitors found themselves 2-1 down midway through and never recovered from that setback. The two sides meet again in Durban on Tuesday in which Bafana have to win to remain in contention.

South Africa earned the first corner kick with their very first attack as they begun the match impressively. The hosts then created two gilt edged quick chances but nothing much came out of them.

Tokelo Rantie then put Bafana Bafana ahead with his trademark solo and lethal finishing in the 13th minute. He received a long ball from the back, shrugged off two defenders before slotting the ball home.

The visitors then settled down as Zungu and Dolly temporarily took charge of the midfield. Zwane then released Rantie on the 31st minute but the Cape Verde keeper came off his line on time.

The hosts capitalised quickly and scored from a counter attack to make it 1-1. They then immediately got a penalty to make it 2-1 as Bafana Bafana seemed shell shocked.

In the second half and playing with the wind, South Africa threw everything into the game. Kamohelo Mokotjo came in for struggling Zungu as Bafana Bafana continued to chase the game.

Eric Mathoho then got a red card for an off the ball tackle which in most instances could have been a yellow card as the visitors were left with a mountain to climb.

As South Africa threw everything upfront there were chances of leaving gaps at the back and twice they were caught on the back foot. Percy Tau came on for Rantie as Bafana Bafana tried to salvage something from the game.

It was never to be and Bafana must regroup quickly as they meet the same side on Tuesday at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Starting Line-up:

Ronwen Williams, Tebogo Langerman, Eric Mathoho, Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Dean Furman, Keagan Dolly, Themba Zwane, Bongani Zungu, Lebogang Manyama, Tokelo Rantie-SAFA WEBSITE.