By Jafferson Ndhlovu,
Senegal have booked themselves a place at monumental 2018 Russia World Cup after beating South Africa with two first half goals.
The Lions of Teranga are the third team to make Africa contigent going to Russia.
They have cut their work short and makes the final match to played on Tuesday the 14th in Senegal academic and of spurring.
A 12th minute low strike by Diafra Sakho after being played through by Sadio Mane was just what the doctor ordered. With South Africa playing their facial fractured goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune in goal left them unsettled.
Though Bafana Bafana looked to have picked up the pieces their front man Percy Tau was constantly played into offside by the alert Senegalese.
On the 25th mark Themba Zwane had a glorious chance. After a beautiful exchange of passes on the edge of the box he shot straight into veteran goalkeeper Khadim N’Diaye who parried into the path of Tau. But the Mamelodi Sundowns man failed to take advantage.
South Africa on the attack again got a chance to level matters when Lebogang Manyama strike hit the crossbar.
Sadio Mane returning from injury less that ten days and having one full match for his club was a nuisance in the Bafana Bafana territories No wonder Aliou Cisse the Senegalese coach prayed so had to have fit for the crucial match.
Man of the match Mane’s strike in the 38th minute forced Khune to stretch in saving it but it ricocheted in the unlucky Thami Mkhize.
In the second half South Africa tried threw everything at Senegal but the West African were resolute in solidifying the crucial lead. Even the returning to squad of experienced Siphiwe Tsabalala could not help matters.
Zambian referee Jani Sikazwe assisted by W. Chewe and Jerson dos Santos issued four yellow cards in the highly charged match. 2 each to both sides.
Mane was the first to be booked in the 35th minute but three minutes later Mkhize was cushioning the Teranga Lions with a goal.
Senegal can go back home and rest as they wait to host tonight’s opponent back in four days time.
