A Mudau masterclass – how Bafana Bafana’s players rated

Bafana Bafana impressed on Tuesday as they held Africa Cup of Nations hosts Ivory Coast to a 1-1 draw in Abidjan. Phakaaathi editor Jonty Mark gives his verdict on the performance of each Bafana player.

Ronwen Williams – 7

The Bafana captain returned from injury to show why he is still the country’s number one shot-stopper, making several important saves to keep Bafana ahead, and level once Sebastian Haller equalised. He could perhaps be criticised for his positioning as Haller nodded in that leveller, seemingly undecided over whether or not to come off his line.

Khuliso Mudau – 9 – Man of the Match

Aside from the chance he missed in the second half to put Bafana 2-0 up, Mudau was almost flawless in a brilliant display that endorsed those calling for the Sundowns man to be a regular at right back for the national team. He coped with Ivorian stars like Wilfried Zaha and Seko Fofana superbly in defence, and even in his miss, it was Mudau who started the move that led to him bursting clean through on goal.

Siyanda Xulu – 7

Xulu was solid enough at the back for Bafana and looks almost a certainly to start in the Fifa World Cup qualifiers and the Africa Cup of Nations finals. It wasn’t a standout display but sometimes it is better for a central defender to go unnoticed as it means he is simply doing his job.

Mothobi Mvala – 6

Mvala made a couple of vital tackles at the heart of the Bafana defence, though he is marked down for an absolute howler in the first half, where he gifted possession to Haller, who really should have levelled for the Ivory Coast. Still, Mvala’s experience at the back is going to be key for Bafana moving forward.

Aubrey Modiba – 6

Modiba defended well enough but his crosses from the wing were suprisingly poor for a man who has earned the nickname ‘The Postman’. This time Modiba’s delivery was too often in the wrong postcode for Bafana’s attackers.

Sphephelo Sithole – 6

Hugo Broos had some words for Sithole after he earned a yellow card in the first half for a late tackle on Seko Fofana. Perhaps it was simply to be careful in an area as combative as central midfield. Either way Sithole reined himself in pretty well after that and was generally solid alongside Teboho Mokoena.

Teboho Mokoena – 8

Mokoena is probably the one midfielder in the Bafana squad who can truly be described as ‘box-to-box’ this was perfectly illustrated as he charged into the penalty area to set up Themba Zwane’s goal, while he was a constant driving force for many other Bafana attacks. He is a certain starter, if fit, for the World Cup qualifiers and Afcon finals.

Themba Zwane – 8

Hugo Broos has said that he doesn’t really have anyone to fill the shoes of Sundowns’ magician when he isn’t there, and Zwane showed why again on Tuesday, popping up in the right place to apply a superb finish to a fine 8^th minute move. A couple of passes went astray after that from good positions, but Zwane is a difference maker and it is vital he stays fit.

Bongokuhle Hlongwane – 7

Just minutes after Zwane’s goal, Hlongwane had a fizzing shot well saved by Ivory Coast goalkeeper Yahia Fofana, and the USA based attacker generally did very well dropping deep to receive the ball and surging forward at the Elephants goal. While competition for places in Bafana’s starting attack is fierce, Hlongwane did his chances no harm in this match.

Mihlali Mayambela – 6

Mayambela was a little bit off his best in this game, but is clearly liked by Broos, for the application he provides in defence as well as attack. The skilful wide man has cemented his place in the squad for both the World Cup qualifiers and Afcon finals.

Lebo Mothiba – 7

Mothiba didn’t take the one clear chance he got in Abidjan, though it was a difficult piece of control and shot that he did well to keep on target in the second half. What the Strasbourg striker did do is provide a focal point for Bafana’s attack, allowing space for the likes of Hlongwane and Zwane to shine. His strength in holding the ball up and intelligent running off the ball could sway his way into being a permannent fixture again in the Bafana line-up.

Nyiko Mobbie – 6

Came on as a 73^rd minute replacement for Mayambela and put in a solid enough shift as the game drew to a close, though he may now have fallen behind Mudau in the Bafana pecking order. Mobbie is also, however an option at left back for Broos.

Sibongiseni Mthethwa

Came on as an 83rd minute replacement for Zwane. Not on the field long enough to be rate.

Lyle Foster

Came on as an 83^rd minute replacement for Hlongwane. Not on the field long enough to be rated.

Grant Kekana

Came on as an 87^th minute replacement for Mudau. Not on the field long enough to be rated.