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South Africa and Angola draw in
Tamale
Tamale, Jan. 23, Ghanadot/GNA - An
85th minute strike from the top of 18 by substitute Van
Heerden Elrio zoomed into the Angolan net and saved South
Africa from defeat in the second “Group D” match of the MTN
Africa Cup of Nations played at Tamale Stadium on Wednesday.
It was a thrilling match which kept fans cheering
continuously as the South Africans strained every nerve to
redeem a goal scored against them in the 29th minute.
Alberto Mateus found the net in the 29th minute against the
run of play as the Bafana Bafana had dominated the earlier
exchanges. Mateus capitalised on a momentary loss of
concentration by the South Africans to slot the ball into
their net.
The goal gingered the Angolans, who took control of the
match and used their physique and experience to create many
chances but could not convert any into a goal.
The two sides played as if their very life depended on the
outcome of the match as they raised the tempo to the
admiration of the fans.
The South Africans regrouped and picked up their rhythm
again but could not work the magic for the equalizer until
referee Coulibaly Koman from Mali whistled to end the first
half.
The second department of the game did not change things but
the Angolans looked more aggressive at goal, particularly,
Baptista Nsimba, who added strength and dribbling antics but
could not help to increase the tally for his side.
The South Africans resorted to long passes and were very
swift with the ball and this gave their supporters a glimmer
of hope that all was not lost.
After persistent efforts Elrio meandered his way through the
Angolan defence and sent that thunderbolt from behind the 18
box to cancel the Angolan lead.
Few minutes later Elrio again sent another cracker of a shot
but the goalkeeper Joao Lius stretched fully to parry the
ball away for a corner kick, which was wasted.
All efforts by both teams to pick the three maximum points
proved futile until proceedings was brought to an end to
leave the qualification to the next stage of the competition
still open.
Tamale is the only venue to record two draws since the
commencement of the tournament on Sunday with all four teams
having one point each.
GNA
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