World Cup qualifiers:South Africa beat Ghana to top the group

A late goal by Bongokhule Hlongwane was enough to give South Africa all three points against Ghana at the FNB stadium in Johannesburg on Monday.

Bafana Bafana leapfrog the Black Stars after the win and now top Group G in the World Cup qualifiers with four points.

Ghana started strong and were awarded a free kick on the edge of the penalty box after Rushine De Reuck brought down Joel Fameyeh who was through on goal. Mubarak Wakaso stepped up but his effort was calmly collected by Ronwen Williams.

Hugo Broos’ men grew into the game and started to dominate proceedings. South Africa came close after Richard Ofori spilled a free kick, with the resulting rebound fired over the crossbar.

Percy Tau thought he had given Bafana Bafana the lead on the stroke of half time with a powerful diving header. The goal was ruled out for offside but upon further replays, Tau looked to have been played on by Djiku.

Charles Akonnor’s men dropped the intensity in the second half as South Africa continued to pile the pressure. Ofori completely misdjuded a cross leaving an empty net for Evidence Makgopa who fluffed his lines.

Seven minutes from time, a low cross was redirected by Hlongwane into the net needing help from the post.

It’s the first time South Africa have beaten Ghana in competitive football for 21 years. Ghana’s five-game unbeaten streak in World Cup qualifiers has also been breached leaving the Black Stars with work to do.