South Africa were held to a 0-0 draw by a determined Mauritius side at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium. 

Before kick-off, this result would not have been enough to guarantee progression. Bafana needed to make life easier for themselves by winning the Group A fixture, but as has been the case throughout the tournament, their finishing let them down.

Mduduzi Shabalala of South Africa and Joseph Francois of Mauritius. Photo: Morgan Piek

In all three of their group-stage matches, South Africa were by far the most dominant team. However, their inability to convert chances has been a recurring concern, and it nearly came back to haunt them once again against Mauritius.

But then came a dramatic twist. At the same time, over at the Toyota Stadium, Zimbabwe were playing against group leaders Mozambique. For South Africa to advance, Zimbabwe needed to either draw or beat their regional neighbours.

The Mambas, who beat South Africa 1-0 in the tournament opener, were favourites going into the match. However, Zimbabwe raced into a 3-1 lead with only minutes remaining, and suddenly, they had a shot at advancing to the semi-finals themselves. 

Luckily for South Africa, time was on their side, and Bafana went through by virtue of a superior goal difference. Bafana coach Vela Khumalo admitted that finishing remains a major area for improvement ahead of Friday night’s semi-final at the Toyota Stadium.

“Look, I think our boys need to put on their scoring boots. Our sessions ahead of the semi-finals will focus more on finishing,” said Khumalo. “This is exactly what we’ve been all about. 

“But if you look at training – honestly speaking – the players are coming from a break, their clubs were closed, and then they came back into camp. Maybe they left their scoring shoes behind. But gradually, I think it will come right, and we’ll start putting goals away.”

Mokibelo Ramabu of South Africa and Dylan Collard of Mauritius. Photo: Morgan Piek

South Africa will face the winner of Group D in the semi-finals, with that opponent set to be confirmed on Wednesday when Botswana take on Zambia. If Botswana draw or lose, the Comoros will advance to the knockout stage. 

However, a win for Botswana will see them face South Africa in the semi-final. That match at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium will kick off at 15:00.

Meanwhile, defending champions Angola have also secured their place in the semi-finals after finishing top of Group B. They will meet the winner of Group C, which will also be decided on Wednesday. 

Madagascar currently lead the group, but Eswatini can overtake them if they beat Tanzania by two clear goals. That game, at the Toyota Stadium, also kicks off at 15:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek