Bernard’s brace bolsters Bafana

INLSA

Bernard Parker

Two goals by Bernard Parker saw Bafana Bafana canter to victory in Nelspruit last night.

In front of a small crowd for an international, just under 10 000, the South Africans produced a different display from Friday’s 1-0 loss at the hands of Brazil.

Bafana had a stranglehold on possession, and while their defence was firm, they created few chances.

Parker, pictured, produced a clinical finish to put his side ahead early, then scored his second in the 88th minute to seal the result.

In Gordon Igesund’s second game in charge, the home side never looked like conceding and eased to victory.

Moeneeb Josephs was handed a rare start in the Bafana goal as Igesund chose to rest Itumeleng Khune after a good performance against Brazil.

Josephs, however, was a spectator for much of the encounter. He made his first good save in injury time, courtesy of a toothless visiting attack.

Bafana were rewarded with the opening goal in the seventh minute through a well-composed finish from Parker. He made a perfectly timed run down the left and, with just Nelson Logomale to beat in the Mozambique goal, slotted the ball home to give Bafana an early 1-0 lead.

Three minutes later and it was the turn of Siphiwe Tshabalala. After a bustling run down the left, instead of passing he made his way to the edge of the box, but his shot was scuffed wide of the far post.

In the first 20 minutes, Igesund’s troops held on to the ball well through short accurate passes, something they had clearly worked on in training.

In their only meaningful sojourn into the Bafana area, Helder Pelembe had the first shot for the visitors in the 29th minute after a strong run down the right flank. His strike was wide of the target.

Tshabalala, from a free kick in a dangerous position 30m out in the 41st minute, opted to try his luck. His curling cross saw Bongani Khumalo head the ball into the back of the net, but the referee disallowed the goal for an infringement in the box.

With two minutes remaining Parker doubled his tally for the evening. When left one-on-one with only the keeper to beat, he nailed the strike to round out the 2-0 win. – Sapa