Darren Keet and Percy Tau propel Bafana Bafana to Afcon 2019 in Egypt
JOBURG – Bafana Bafana have qualified for the finals of the African Cup of Nations in Egypt later in the year.
Percy Tau struck twice in the second half against Libya to propel Bafana Bafana to the finals of the African Cup of Nations (Afcon 2019) in Egypt later this year.
But Bafana’s 2–1 victory over the Desert Knights could have been a different story was it not for the heroics of goalkeeper Darren Keet that kept ‘The Boys’ in contention as Libya bombarded them left, right and centre in the first half in search of early goals. Keet of Bidvest Wits showed why he should take over the national jersey from the injured Itumeleng Khune as he survived a hail of bullets fired by the Libyans in their bid to collect maximum points and qualify for Afcon ahead of Bafana Bafana.
He gave a Man of the Match performance that must have pleased the Gauteng MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Faith Mazibuko and the president of the South African Football Association Dr Danny Jordaan who were watching a live screening of the game from Libya’s neighbour, Tunisia. The Libyan strategy was very clear – stun the South African’s with quick goals in the first half and they will be out of the game.
This was evident as Bafana spent the entire 45 minutes chasing shadows while Libya peppered the South African’s goalmouth. Bafana, on the other hand, could hardly string any passes together as the Libyans intercepted them and dictated play. A frustrated Innocent Maela was yellow-carded in the first five minutes.
But things turned around for Bafana after the halftime pep talk from coach Stuart Baxter who seemingly told them to slow down the game and not allow the Libyans to dictate the pace. This paid dividends as former Mamelodi Sundowns marksman Tau lived up to his surname as the marauding lion of Bafana when he opened the scoring in the 48th minute.
The Libyans quickly mounted their own attack and it was Keet who saved a point-blank range shot that would have levelled matters. However, Keet turned from hero to villain after a foul in the box on a Libya striker with Ben Ali levelling matters from the spot.
But Tau was not done yet as he struck another volley outside the 18-yard area that gave the Libyan keeper no chance and Bafana were in the lead. Tau almost scored his hat-trick but his attempt went slightly wide.
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