Zwane on fire, Rayners gains respect – Bafana v Algeria player ratings

Themba Zwane again turned on the style for Bafana Bafana as they drew 3-3 with Algeria in an international friendly at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers on Tuesday.

Phakaaathi editor Jonty Mark rates the performance of Bafana’s players in what was an pulsating game in North Africa.

Bafana Player Ratings

Ronwen Williams – 5/10

The Bafana captain returned to the side against Algeria, after missing the Andorra friendly on Thursday. But just as Ricardo Goss’ error had cost Bafana in that match, Williams gave a goal on a plate to Algeria in this one, his mis-placed pass allowing the Desert Foxes back into the game at the start of the second half. Williams did make one fine late stop to keep the score at 3-3.

Nyiko Mobbie – 6

Mobbie got forward to good effect at times, almost setting up an early goal for Oswin Appollis, but wasn’t quite as effective at the back, even if Algeria’s main threat did come down the other flank.

Siyanda Xulu – 6

The SuperSport defender had a mixed bag of a game, with some good tackles, but also struggled against Algeria’s quick-moving attackers.

Grant Kekana – 6

Kekana was involved all game in a good battle with Algeria’s powerful striker Baghdad Bounedjah. The Sundowns defender was a bit unlucky to be booked for a fairly innocuous challenge on the same player.

Aubrey Modiba – 5

Algeria found a lot of space down Modiba’s side of the pitch, with Bafana exposed there for the Desert Foxes’ opener and later for their third goal.

Teboho Mokoena – 7

Mokoena again showed how important he is to Bafana in central midfield, with another potent box-to-box display. The Sundowns midfielder won the ball back in the move that led to Bafana’s first equaliser, and had two fine long-range efforts at goal well-saved.

Thabang Monare – 6

Monare struggled at times in midfield against Nabil Bentaleb and Houssem Aouar, but competed gamely for the most part, and was a good foil to Mokoena.

Mihlali Mayambela – 6

Mayambela linked brilliantly with Zwane for Bafana’s opening goal, and looked bright overall in the first half, but faded a little as the game progressed.

Iqraam Rayners – 8

Rayners put his hand up to be in the Bafana squad for June’s World Cup qualifiers with a tireless display, holding the ball up well and linking play superbly, especially in the first half. Got a little lucky with his goal, but all good strikers need a bit of luck.

Oswin Appollis – 6

Was unfortunate to hit the crossbar early in the game, and showed some promise in the first half, but wasn’t able to influence the game as much after the break.

Themba Zwane – 9

Man of the Match. Zwane, as he so often is, was the cool head Bafana needed in front of goal, linking with Mayambela to slot into an empty net, and then curling in a wonderful second before half time. The 34 year-old just gets better with age.

Elias Mokwana – 7

Another of Bafana’s fringe players to put his hand up, Mokwana followed his goal against Andorra with an excellent cameo here, coming on in the 63rd minute for Appollis. Just three minutes later he cut in from the right and his shot flew into the net off Rayners’ head to put Bafana 3-2 up.

Grant Margeman – 6

Came on for Monare in the 63rd minute and showed some good touches, including setting up Mokoena with a late chance that nearly snatched the win for Bafana.

Goodman Mosele

Came on for Zwane in the 73rd minute. Not on long enough to be rated.

Thapelo Morena

Came on for Mayambela in the 73rd minute. Not on long enough to be rated.

Khanyisa Mayo

Came on for Rayners in the 79th minute. Not on long enough to be rated.