South Africa 4-0 Namibia: Bafana Bafana cruise past Namibia to boost qualification hopes

South Africa veteran Themba Zwane scored twice as they defeated Namibia 4-0 in their Africa Cup of Nations Group E match on Sunday, increasing their chances of progressing to the last 16.

Zwane's double at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium came after Percy Tau converted a 14th-minute penalty after missing one in their opener against Mali last week, and substitute Thapelo Maseko added the fourth.

Zwane, 34, scored twice in 15 minutes to give South Africa a first-half lead which they never relinquished.

South Africa, with the largest victory margin of the tournament in the Ivory Coast, moved ahead of Namibia on goal difference in the standings, trailing leaders Mali who have four points but two points ahead of top-seeded Tunisia who have one.

Namibia had upset Tunisia in their first game and could have led early against their neighbours if key striker Peter Shalulile had taken two good early chances. In the eighth minute, he missed a sitter from right in front of goal, with his clubmate Ronwen Williams in goal for South Africa.

South Africa were then awarded a penalty for the second consecutive game after a VAR check revealed a handball by left back Riaan Hanamub as he attempted to halt South Africa winger Thapelo Morena's progress up the flank.

Tau, who had a terrible miss from the penalty spot against Mali, made no mistake this time to put South Africa ahead.

Zwane then finished off a clever pullback from Morena to make it 2-0 in the 25th minute, before gliding past the defence for the third goal in the 40th minute, outpacing the Namibia backs and slotting home.

Maseko's speed was also important for the fourth goal in the 75th minute, when he ran onto a ball played over the midfield and raced away to score.

South Africa, who were defeated 2-0 by Mali in their first game, will finish their group campaign against Tunisia, who must win to have any chance of advancing, while Namibia will face Mali.

SportsLigue