Benni Mc Carthy Takes a Shot Against Jamaica
Maybe the “medium strength” Jamaica was a better opponent for South Africa, because Bafana Bafana managed to play forward although they were held to a goalless draw at Vodacom Stadium on Tuesday.
That means the 2010 World Cup hosts have now scored just six goals in their last 12 internationals.
Reggae Boyz – Consistent Pressure
But, for a pleasant change, Bafana Bafana was moving forward and the Reggae Boys had to absorb the consistent pressure from the hosts’ dominant possession.
Bafana also came close to breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute after Benni McCarthy and Katlego Mphela showed glimpses of a partnership that could flourish when the South African strikers combined – Mphela’s cross-cum-shot almost finding McCarthy, before Siphiwe Tshabalala’s free-kick sailed wide.
Bafana Dominated First Half
The South Africans dominated the first half, but could not get going after the break as the islanders comfortably held on for the draw.
The only direct free kick that managed to find the target, was unleashed from the boot of McCarthy, who forced Miller into a sharp save.
The Blackburn Rovers striker was always busy in the box, but was often erroneously flagged offside in the danger area. According to football 365 Parreira admitted after the game that “a lot of work needs to be done” and that the team “is not in good shape at the moment.” Fitness was probably a factor in Bafana’s poor off-the-ball movement, which made locating a killer pass near impossible.
Jamaica came closest to scoring – substitute Omar Cummings heading over from right in front with just 10 minutes to go.
Bafana Next Confirmed Game in March 2010
With Bafana’s next confirmed game only penciled in for March, Parreira faces a tough task in whipping the side into World Cup shape. But there are talks about training camps, one in Brazil, which should do wonders for the fitness level and the boys ability to play together as a team
SOUTH AFRICA: Rowen Fernandez; Anele Ngongca, Morgan Gould, Aaron Mokoena, Lucas Thwala; Kagiso Dikgacoi, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Teko Modise; Katlego Mphela, Benni McCarthy
JAMAICA: Dwayne Miller; Shavar Thomas, Jermaine Taylor, Dicoy Williams Devon Williams; Jamal Campbell-Ryce, Jason Morrison, Demar Phillips, Rodolph Austin; Jermaine Johnson, Dane Richards.
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