Debutant Mpho Makola scored to give South Africa a 1-0 victory over Senegal on Tuesday in the Nelson Mandela Challenge soccer friendly in Soweto.
Playing on his club ground, the 29-year-old Orlando Pirates midfielder skilfully placed a 78th-minute shot over substitute goalkeeper Lys Gomis from outside the box.
Makola was among seven changes to the side stunned 3-1 in an away game loss to Mauritania on Saturday last week in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
It was a night of celebration for Makola, who received the man of the match award, Bafana Bafana and coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba.
South Africa beat Senegal for the first time after four draws and two losses, and a 23rd international victory for Mashaba is a Bafana record.
“We redeemed ourselves tonight after the loss in Mauritania,” Mashaba said.
“What impressed me most was the unity of the team,” he said.
Goalkeeper and captain Itumeleng Khune, whose early blunder set Mauritania up for victory, described the win over Senegal as “a great show.”
Senegal arrived in South Africa after defeating Namibia 2-0 to maintain a perfect start to their Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
The Nelson Mandela Challenge is staged annually to honor the global political icon and former South African president, who died in 2013 aged 95.
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