Bafana Bafana are tied 1-1 against Ethiopia in the second half of the first World Cup qualifier match at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg on Sunday afternoon. Bafana Bafana, as was expected, dominated Ethiopia during the World Cup qualifier in Rustenburg but had to settle for a point after the two sides played to a 1-1 draw.

So many Ethiopian funs residing in South Africa  watched the match and were very delighted with the unexpected result. The Ethiopian fans outnumbered their Bafana Bafana counterparts and, in the end, they came close to snatching a win away from home.

Ethiopia took the lead against the run of play in the 28th minute through Salahadin Said.This striker is the only professional in the Walia’s squad. He plays in Egypt’s first division club Wadi Dagla!!

Despite dominating for most of the first half, Bafana failed to capitalize and they find themselves trailing.

78th minute: Katlego Mphela scores an equalizer for Bafana with a well taken strike, 1-1.The group which is comprised from four national teams, South Africa, Ethiopia, Botswana and Central Africa republic is now led by Central Africa republic that stunned Botswana 2-0 last night. The qualification for the upcoming 2014 world cup will go on the next week. Ethiopia will be hosting the group leaders Central Africa republic in Addis Ababa, the capital.

The group standings after one match each is as follows!

                                       p      pt.          scrd.     con.                 gl. difference Central Africa republic 1 ----3-----------2---------0--------------------+2

South Africa                  1-----1------------1--------1----------------------0

Ethiopia                         1------1-----------1--------1----------------------0

Central Africa Republic 1-----0----------0---------2----------------------2

Bafana starting XI: Khune; Ngcongca, Khumalo, Gould, Masilela (Masenamela '34), Pienaar, Letsholonyane, Khuboni, Tshabalala; Mphela, Nomvethe

Ethiopia: Sesay Bancha, Gebryes Adane, Butako Abebaw, Moges Ceuyon, Degu Debebe, Alula Girma, Adis Hintsa Tekle, Asrat Megersa Gubena, Tesheome  Minyahile, Saladin  Said, Biyadigligm zewddu  

By Saied Kair

Ethiopian TV