The day has finally arrived. Will Bafana Bafana silence their critics or succumb to the pressure? Will Morocco have a better Afcon than their previous two outings? Leave us your comments on #SSFootball.
Storified by SS ·
Sat, Jan 19 2013 10:10:05
8:06 PM - Benni believes all is not lost: Benni McCarthy believes Bafana Bafana can still redeem themselves in the next two games, saying the hosts should go out all guns blazing against Angola and Morocco. The finishing and all the offsides (9) really cost the team today. Do you think Bafana can still turn it around in the next two games and go through to the knockout stages? What changes must be made?
7:53 PM - That's it for the opening game: Both the hosts and the Blue Sharks failed to score in the opening game. A very disappointing game for Bafana Bafana. Now it is up to Angola or Morocco to score the first goal of the tournament. What can Bafana Bafana do to improve for their next two encounters against Angola and Morocco?
7:50 PM - 3 added minutes: Just enough time added for a result. Can Bafana clinch it in the final minutes?
7:44 PM - Wasted opportunities: Bafana Bafana with yet another wasted free-kick, as a Blue Sharks player is fouled in the box by a South African. Both teams are looking increasingly frustrated as French-based striker Lucas Mendes fired the ball over the goals from outside the 18-yard area. Time for a positive result is running as the Blue Sharks make their final substitution.
7:35 PM - Best chance of the game: The Blue Sharks forces Khune to scramble. He gets a hand on the ball to deflect it past the goal. Best opportunity of the game. Bafana Bafana need to step up to the challenge if they want to walk away with three points today. But as we've seen, Cape Verde won't allow the hosts to get the three points that easy. With 15 minutes and added time left, is there enough time for the hosts to get that much-needed goal?
7:28 PM - Killer on: Bafana bringing Killer Mphela on for Majoro. The hosts and Gordon Igesund have used up all their substitutions. Can the Sundowns striker score the winner?
7:22 PM - Serero on: Bafana make their second substitution with Tshabalala making way for Dutch-based midfielder Thulani Serero.
7:16 PM - Bafana denied: The hosts' best chance of the game as Majoro, Parker and Tshabalala make it into the box. Bafana Bafana denied by a strong tackle and brave goalkeeping.
7:13 PM - Bafana lacking the final ball: The hosts look a different team in the second half. Keeping hold of the ball for longer, but lacking the final ball. Chabangu has made his presence known since his introduction. A spectacular effort minutes earlier and constantly in possession.
7:06 PM - Second half underway: Will we see some goals in this half, or are we heading to a stalemate? Lerato Chabangu on - will he be the difference for the hosts?
6:59 PM - Disappointing opening half: Both teams failed to make an impression on the first half. Poor finishing and nothing special from either team. What can the coach and the team do to improve their game in the second half?
