Bafana overcome stubborn Uganda

South Africa defeated Uganda 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the 2019 Cosafa Cup plate semifinal at the Princess Magogo Stadium in South Africa on Tuesday evening.

The win saw Bafana Bafana progress to the plate final where they will face the winner between Malawi and Comoros, while the loser is set to take on the Cranes.

The Cranes dominated the opening stages of the game and they should have grabbed an early lead against Bafana Bafana in the first 15 minutes.

Uganda fullback Mustafa Kizza's thunderous left-footed shot from range was pushed over the crossbar by South Africa goalkeeper Mondli Mpoto.

Mpoto was the busier of the two keepers as he pulled off a brave low save to deny Uganda attacker Juma Balinya from close range as Bafana survived a scare.

Bafana's best chance came in the 17th minute when Keanu Cupido's powerful header hit the woodwork with Uganda keeper Charles Lukwago well-beaten.

The Cranes and Bafana continued to attack each other with the half-hour mark approaching, but they could not create clear-cut chances.

Luther Singh was able to create some space on the edge of the Uganda box in the 41st minute, but the Bafana striker placed his shot over the crossbar.

The two teams were locked at 0-0 during the half-time break.

It took only a minute for the Cranes to break the deadlock after the restart and it was Dan Sserunkuma who found the back of the net for East-Central African side.

The diminutive striker beat Mpoto with a low shot to make it 1-0 to Uganda after being sent through on goal by Balinya, who produced a beautiful through pass.

The Cranes were hungry for another goal and Mpoto had to make to great saves to deny Balinya and Isaac Isinde just before the hour-mark.

South Africa had to find a way to level matters and they pressed the Ugandan defence, which was led by captain Isinde.

Bafana were able to equalise in the 72nd minute when Jemondre Dickens set-up Singh, who unleashed a powerful shot which beat Lukwago to make it 1-1.

Lukwago then made two magnificent saves to deny Kgaogelo Sekgota and Singh to ensure that the game ended in a 1-1 draw in regulation time, and a penalty shootout followed.

Mpoto went on to become the hero for South Africa, who won 4-2 on penalties, with the shot-stopper saving two spot-kicks.

Uganda (0) 1 (Sserunkuma 46')
South Africa (0) 1 (Singh 72')
Bafana Bafana won 4-2 on penalties.

Uganda: Lukwago, Isinde, Kasozi, Balinya (Anukani 78'), Kagimu, Mutyaba, Birungi (Kayiwa 48'), Kizza, Willa, Revita, Sserunkuma (Senkantuka 82').

South Africa: Mpoto, Cupido, Sam (Webber 10'), Mthethwa, Mukumela, Mohamme, Mokoena, Mbule (Dickens 48'), Mahlatsi (Sekgota 72'), Links, Singh.