World Cup 2014 qualifier results Africa

Africa continued its journey towards the 2014 competition in Brazil with a number of qualifying matches taking place on Saturday and Sunday throughout Africa.  

Namibia 1-0 Kenya

The Brave Warriors welcomed the visit of Kenya's Harambee Stars, having lost their first World Cup qualifier 1-0 to Nigeria. Kenya in comparison, drew 0-0 with Malawi.

In the cold night air of Windhoek, around 5,000 fans created the atmosphere at the stadium, and the home side was motivated to do well in front of their supporters.

The first half ended goalless, but not for lack of effort, as Namibia had two clear cut chances to go ahead, but Kenyan keeper Anthony Origi was in fine form and made some crucial saves. The second half produced few opportunities for the two sides, and those that came were wasted.

The match was not yet over, however, and Namibia still had one more addition to the game's script, with Henrico Botes completing a stunning win for the Brave Warriors with a goal in the 85th minute, making it 1-0 to Namibia over Kenya.


Equatorial Guinea 2-2 Sierra Leone

The 2012 Africa Cup of Nations hosts were paid a visit by the Leone Stars, with the home side having lost to Tunisia in their first qualifier, while Sierra Leone went top of Group B alongside the Carthage Eagles thanks to their win over Cape Verde.

A flurry of goals were scored in the first half of the match, with the score set at 2-2 by the break, thanks to a double from Equatorial Guinea captain Juvenal, as well as one goal apiece from Samuel Barlay and Ibrahim Bangura for Sierra Leone.

Juvenal opened his account on 13 minutes, but by the half hour mark the visitors had turned the game on its head, and the skipper equalised with his second of the encounter.

For all the excitement of the first half, the second session was rather disappointing and the match would produce no more goals, although Equatorial Guinea missed a penalty which they should have converted.

Leone Stars captain Ibrahim Kargbo was sent off, giving Juvenal a chance to score his hat-trick, but the player missed the target altogether, meaning that 2-2 would remain the final scoreline.

The result means that Equatorial Guinea remains in the bottom two of Group B on one point, while Sierra Leone moves to four points.


Congo 1-0 Niger

The Mena travelled to Congo with determination to return home with a positive result, but it was not to be for the 2012 Afcon qualifiers, as the hosts recorded a 1-0 victory in Pointe Noire at the Stade Municipal.

The visiting Mena would have felt rather confident at half time, with the score still unadjusted.

As time wore on in the second half and chances were few and far between, Niger would have been considering a point almost bankable, but the Congolese had other plans and in the 86th minute Francis Malonga earned his side all three points with a goal to send their opponents home empty-handed.

Group E now sees Congo and Gabon leading on four points each, while Burkina Faso and Niger are bottom of the standing with a single point each.


Gabon 1-0 Burkina Faso

The Panthers of Gabon were keen to get their World Cup qualifying campaign back on track following a draw in their first match, and the Stallions of Burkina Faso stood in the way of their objective.

The home side began brightly and aimed to make their fans in Libreville at the L’amitié Sino Gabonaise happy with a victory. They were able to do just that, despite the score ending goalless at half time.

In the second half the Panthers found the breakthrough thanks to a strike from Remy Ebanega in the 56th minute. The meeting ended 1-0 for the hosts, leaving Burkina Faso on one point while Gabon move to four, topping Group E alongside Congo following their victory over Niger.


Uganda 1-1 Senegal

Uganda and Senegal ended their second 2014 World Cup qualifying game with a 1-1 draw in Kampala on Saturday, with Newcastle’s Papiss Cisse putting the Teranga Lions in the lead in the first half and Bunamwaya midfielder Godfrey Walusimbi equalising via a penalty minutes before full time.


Zambia 1-0 Ghana

Zambia beat Ghana 1-0 on Saturday afternoon in their second 2014 World Cup qualifying game to make up for their loss against Sudan last week.

Captain Christopher Katongo led a well organised Zambian side that made it impossible for their visitors to break into their defense. The 29-year-old inspirational leader, who was conspicuous in every department of the game, put the Chipolopolo in the lead within 14 minutes of play.


Botswana 1-1 South Africa

South Africa travelled to Botswana for the second round of 2014 World Cup qualifying in Group A, and the teams walked away with a point each after a 1-1 draw. Kickoff

Chiefs or Pirates for Nkosi

Nkosi has to decide on his fututre this week.
Picture by Football 365.

Former Bafana Bafana midfielder Siyabonga Nkosi will decide later this week on whether to rejoin Kaizer Chiefs or sign for Orlando Pirates.

Since leaving Golden Arrows earlier this month, Nkosi has been under the radar of a number of PSL clubs, but KickOff.com has learnt that the player has been negotiating with the two Soweto giants.

“He has been speaking to both teams and will definitely make a decision before the end of the week,” says a source close to the player.

“He has been stalling because he doesn’t want to rush into making a decision. He has been speaking to Maritzburg United as well and doesn’t mind the idea of moving to Port Elizabeth with them.

“But Maritzburg has an outside chance because Nkosi prefers Chiefs or Pirates. Swallows were in the picture before they went to China, but now they are completely out of the picture.”

Nkosi started his career with Orlando Pirates but left without playing a match. Kickoff

Spain not happy with the pitch

Disappointed spain players after a 1-1 draw against Italy.

Spain have complained about the state of the pitch they played out a 1-1 draw with Italy on last night.

La Furia Roja are unhappy that the surface was bone dry, a factor they believe stymied their crisp passing style.

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque is a man of few words, so when he talks people listen.

And unbidden, last night he expressed dissatisfaction with the pitch in Gdansk.

"It is a pity to play on a dry pitch. For us, for Italy and for the fans. I am sure we would have seen a better game if the pitch had not been so dry," he said.

Spain’s goalscorer Cesc Fabregas was less diplomatic.

"The pitch is a disaster. It's lamentable to play on a pitch like that," he fumed. "I can't complain but we deserved a lot more. It's lamentable that we still have to play on pitches like that."

While midfield conductor Xavi Hernandez explained: "The fact they didn't water the pitch affected us and our passing." And Andres Iniesta added: "To see the pitch in this condition was a disaster. It was super dry and that makes passing the ball difficult."

Italy, who were happy to have surprised the defending champions by taking the lead and refusing to surrender, were not wont to criticise the surface.

"It is the same for both teams," Andrea Pirlo said.

The chief of the Polish FA, Grzegorz Lato, has rejected Spain’s misgivings about the pitch outright.

"What nonsense! The grass was the perfect length," Lato told Polish radio station TOK FM.

"The thing is that often one waters the pitch for the game. But you need agreement from the two teams. The Spanish wanted it to be watered, the Italians did not agree.

"[Italy] know that the pitch being slower - because on a watered pitch the ball slides a lot and will move a lot faster - is the better tactical option for Italy.

"If there isn't agreement (from both sides), it doesn't make any difference that at Barcelona and Real Madrid they water the pitch two hours before the game." SoccerLaduma

Trapattoni tells players to keep their heads up

Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has urged his players to keep the faith at Uefa Euro 2012™ after their long unbeaten run came to an abrupt halt against Croatia in rainy Poznan on Sunday.
A mistake-riddled 3-1 defeat in their opening Group C match put a dampener on Ireland's first appearance at the finals since 1988 and means they must avoid defeat on Thursday against world champions Spain who drew 1-1 with Italy.
"It's important we recover psychologically and believe again because we have to remember how many games we had played without conceding a goal," the seasoned Italian, whose side had kept 11 clean sheets in a 14-match unbeaten run, said.
"We believe in our strength."
Since taking over four years ago Italian Trapattoni has transformed Ireland's fortunes and they were desperately unlucky to miss out on qualification for the 2010 World Cup finals.
Despite being placed in a tough Euro 2012 group that also includes four-times world champions Italy, hopes were high that Ireland could sneak into the quarterfinals but defeat against Croatia, a match that was targetted as the most likely victory, means the party could be cut short.
They never really got started against the lively Croatians, conceding a soft goal to Mario Mandzukic within three minutes.
Although Sean St Ledger equalised they were rocked either side of halftime with Nikica Jelavic's shot and Mandzukic's header which went in off keeper Shay Given sealing defeat.
FRESHEN UP
reland looked heavy-legged for long periods and lacking in creativity when chasing the game and Trapattoni hinted that he may freshen up the team for the clash with Spain in Gdansk.
Many of the travelling Irish fans frequenting the bars of Sopot, close by the team's training base on Poland's Baltic coast, want to see an injection of youth such as Sunderland's highly-rated midfielder James McClean.
Whether or not the wily Trapattoni will risk tinkering too much against Spain is doubtful although he did offer some encouragement for the fringe players.
"Spain is another game and then we have to think very, very much," the 73-year-old, who tasted only his third competitive defeat as Ireland boss and his first on the road, said.
"If I decide to change, it will not be because a player played badly or does not deserve to play. We have another game. Our opponent only drew and has only one point."
Defender Stephen Ward said they would be huge underdogs against the Spanish but hoped the luck of the Irish would return after two of Croatia's goals owed much to large slices of fortune.
"Against Spain we have nothing to lose so we have to go out and give it everything and hopefully we can get a bit of luck on Thursday and then go into the Italy game with a chance of qualifying," he said. Supersport

CR7 under pressure

CR7 was frustated after the 1-0 loss to Germany

Perhaps Portugal should never had made Cristiano Ronaldo captain, judging by the way he tore his armband off and was the first player to storm down the tunnel after Saturday’s Euro 2012 defeat to Germany.

After all, in the greatest Portugal teams of the past, stars like Eusebio and Luis Figo were not the skippers. They were allowed to play, free from the responsibility of leadership.

Being captain may be something that stokes the fires of CR7’s notorious ego, but it is debatable whether or not it adds to his performance for his national team.

While he was certainly Portugal’s best player against Germany, Ronaldo still did not do enough to suggest he can drag them kicking and screaming into the second round of the competition.

He was his customary step-over self, but the tricks he has used to destroy teams like Granada and Getafe in the past seldom flustered Germany’s nonplussed defenders.

And when Ronaldo started to berate his team-mates for misplacing passes before half time, perhaps he should have held a mirror to himself.

Portugal’s manager Paolo Bento knows full well the importance of CR7 to his cause, and insisted the Real Madrid man had a good game against Germany.

"I haven't done the individual analysis yet but I think it was a very good game by Ronaldo," Bento said on Sunday.

And former Portugal wizard Figo sought to lump CR7’s ineffective display on the shoulders of his team-mates.

"I think the team need to give [Ronaldo] the chances to have a good performance," Figo said.

"Cristiano's style is to finish, to score, so if the team don't produce those kind of opportunities then of course his performance is down."

After his stunning season, there can be no doubt as to CR7’s standing at the pinnacle of the game.

However, it seems that he is now the superstar to shoulder the burden of underperforming for his national team.

His rival for the podium as football’s best player is Lionel Messi, who has buried the old saw that he cannot play for his country.

Messi has embraced the captain’s armband for Argentina, and flourished with it, scoring nine goals from as many internationals.

His hat-trick against Brazil at the weekend gave him 82 goals for the season, and pushed him closer to retaining the Ballon d’Or.

Ronaldo meanwhile, needs a stellar Euro 2012 if he is to pip Messi for football’s top individual award.

There are still two group games to go for Ronaldo to assert himself, and perhaps the knockout stage to follow.

But after Portugal’s damp squib display against the Germans, and Messi’s goal rush weekend, the pressure on Ronaldo to perform for himself and his country has ratcheted up a notch.

Italy coach please with a draw

\Italy coach Cesare Prandelli believes that their 1-1 draw with Spain in their opening Euro 2012 match was a fair result.
The Italians were both sturdy in defence and exciting on attack and produced a performance that will surely fill their players with confidence.
Antonio Di Natale put the Italians ahead on the hour mark just moments after coming on as a substitute but Cesc Fabregas netted an equaliser four minutes later.
"I think it was the right result," Prandelli told Rai tv.
"There is a slight regret that we conceded so soon after we had scored.
"The important thing is that the players have done what I asked them. We played well and played as a team."
Di Natale has to wait patiently for his turn after Mario Balotelli was given a starting role, but the goalscorer was not worried about starting on the bench.
"I'm happy to have been able to score just a few minutes after coming onto the pitch," he added.
"I am at the disposal of the coach and I will play whenever it is possible. The draw was a good result for us." SoccerLaduma

Banyana's Olympic squad announced

The SA Sports Confederation an Olympic Committee has announced the Banyana Banyana squad for the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Sascoc has revealed the 112-member initial team for the tournament today; the final team will be announced on July 4.

"Today's announcement is the culmination of four years of extremely hard work for everyone, both at Sascoc and in the broader South African sports fraternity," Sascoc President Gideon Sam says.

"I've always said that the building of a team is like doing a jigsaw puzzle. So today we are putting just about the final pieces of that puzzle into place with only a few more additions likely after the final qualification cut-off.

"Make no bones about it, we could have done better if we had more funding but that's always the case. The time for excuses is over and I believe that we have done the very best that we could have done under the circumstances.

"There was the criticism over the clothing sponsor but we believe we've done our absolute best and when you see our stars turn out at the Olympics and Paralympics I think you'll agree."

A total of 16 sporting codes will be represented, ranging from archery to weightlifting, and it will be the first time that Banyana Banyana will be competing.

Banyana squad
Roxanne Barker, Zamandosi Cele, Amanda Dlamini, Judith Hlumbane, Refiloe Jane, Kylie-Ann Louw, Noko Matlou, Andisiwe Mgcoyi, Philadelphia Mndaweni, Portia Modise, Sanah Mollo, Robyn Moodaly, Marry Ntsweng, Nompumelelo Nyandeni, Amanda Sister, Leandra Smeda, Janine van Wyk, Nothando Vilakazi.
KickoFF

Shabba: a must win

Bafana Bafana started their 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign on a low note, forcing a draw against Ethiopia last Sunday, on home soil. On Sunday South Africa continue with their road to Brazil when they travel to Gaborone to take on Botswana at the University Sports Stadium.

The players are well aware that they will have to improve on last weekend’s performance going forward and that they cannot afford to have any more slip-ups in their qualifying campaign.

Speaking to the Siya crew, the national team vice captain, Siphiwe ‘Shabba’ Tshabalala, said that their mission is to win all the remaining games of their qualifying campaign. The Kaizer Chiefs midfielder said that the players are looking forward and focusing on bagging the win in Botswana.

"We were not happy with the results on Sunday and we have to forget that as soon as possible and move on. We have to win in Botswana and have a go at the top spot. All is not yet lost as this was our first game and we still have five games to fight for and that is why am saying we have to win on Saturday in Botswana, by all means. 

“The players have shown that they are professional and have remained positive despite the changes in the team. We have to remain positive and play to win in Botswana," Shabba expressed. Soccer-Laduma

Banyana draws against Nigeria

Banyana Banyana and Nigeria played to a 1-1 draw in an international friendly at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, in Phokeng, near Rustenburg today.

The South African women's team will face the Nigerians in a return friendly in Abuja, Nigeria, on June 23.

Experienced Nigerian striker Stella Chinyere's goal broke the deadlock 17 minutes after the break, after she latched on to a long overhead ball and ran into the penalty area, before netting despite the diving effort of Banyana Banyana goalkeeper Roxanne Barker.

But the South Africans showed character and determination and were rewarded with an equaliser 12 minutes before full time, when a cross from the left found Portia Modise, who fired home from close range to net her 69th goal in her 90th appearance for Banyana.

This was also the third goal in as many matches for the Palace Super Falcons (Sasol League Free State) player, since returning to the national side. Modise played on the left-hand side of an attacking midfield – rather than her usual role up-front.

The South Africans suffered a setback before the start of the match when tough tackling central defender Janine van Wyk suffered an injury during the pre-match warm-up phase and was replaced. Refiloe Jane took over at right-back with regular fullback Zamandosi Cele moving to the centre of defence next to Amanda Sister.

The match marked the second game in charge for Nigerian coach Ikhana Kadiri, whose new-look Nigerian outfit would have been a bit of a surprise to the South Africans.

Goalkeeper and captain Dede Uzoaru, midfielders Ebere Ngozi and Mbachu Chinyere, plus striker Oparanozie Ugochi were the only familiar names from the Nigerian side that lifted the African Women Championship 2010 trophy in Ekurhuleni.

Banyana XI v Nigeria: Roxanne Barker, Nothando Vilakazi, Amanda Sister, Refiloe Jane, Zamandosi Cele, Kylie-Ann Louw, Amanda Dlamini (c), Mary Ntsweng (Skiti 77th), Andisiwe Mgcoyi (Mollo 53rd), Noko Matlou (Smeda 75th), Portia Modise. KIck-Off

Hunt interested in Bafana Job

SuperSport United coach Gavin Hunt has admitted he would be interested in succeeding Pitso Mosimane as Bafana Bafana coach. 

Mosimane's fate was sealed in the early hours of Tuesday morning after a winless run of seven matches culminated in the 1-1 draw with Ethiopia on Sunday.

Steve Komphela will take charge of the World Cup qualifier against Botswana on Saturday, with Moroka Swallows boss Gordon Igesund believed to be the front-runner to take the job on a permanent basis.

But Hunt – who has led SuperSport United to three PSL titles since joining in 2007 – says he would also relish the opportunity to revive Bafana's fortunes, although he has yet to be contacted by anyone from Safa.

"I'd definitely be interested," he tells KickOff.com.

"No I've not had any contact but I wouldn't expect that at this stage. Obviously it's a good opportunity for someone to come in there now and take over. My name has been bandied about but I'm certainly not lobbying for the job. They must pick the best man that they think is available. But I think I've got enough experience, for sure."

A late goal from Katlego Mphela rescued a point on Saturday but it was not enough to save former SuperSport boss Mosimane. And Hunt acknowledged that he was not surprised by Safa's decision to wield the axe.

"The results have been disappointing for some time," he says.

"I think we should still make it through the group but you then have to play off the 10 best teams in Africa so it's not going to be easy [to qualify]. The game against Botswana is now very important but I think we should win."

Hunt was interviewed for the post in 2009 after the sacking of Joel Santana, before Carlos Alberto Parreira was eventually handed the reins for the 2010 World Cup.

He reveals there is a clause in his contract to leave SuperSport should the Bafana post be offered to him.

"There is clauses in the contract to get out easily," he says, before passing his best wishes on to Komphela for this weekend.

"I wish him well. I'm sure things will improve – there's always an upswing when you get a new coach."  Kick-Off

Mosimane axed!

The Siya crew can reveal that Pitso Mosimane has been fired as the head coach of Bafana Bafana and that Steve Komphela will take over the reigns for the World Cup qualifier against Botswana this weekend and the Gabon friendly. SAFA CEO, Robin Petersen, confirmed the sacking.
It was reported by the crew earlier today that Pitso was on thin ice at the helm of Bafana and it can now be confirmed that he has been relieved of his duties, as has his assistant coach, Jairo Leal.
A string of bad results have heaped a lot of pressure on the former SuperSport United coach and the failure to reach the 2012 Afcon finals was a huge blight on his reputation, with the embarrassing 1-1 draw against Ethiopia this weekend being the final nail in his coffin.
Siya sources have explained that SAFA are preparing to speak to Moroka Swallows coach Gordon Igesund, who has emerged as an early favourite for the vacant post. However, Igesund is currently away in China with Swallows so they will have to wait until he arrives back in Mzansi before approaching him.
Other than Igesund there is already list of local names being banded about the corridors at SAFA House with Steve Komphela being touted to stay on after the Botswana game and Gavin Hunt also being mentioned with regards to the role.
From an international perspective Carlos Queiroz’s name has been mentioned and it is thought that Ruud Krol is also in with an outside chance of being considered. Soccer Laduma

"Ferreira convinced me"

Wits' new signing, Matthew Pattison, has cited Jose Ferreira as one of the main reasons for him joining The Clever Boys.

The Siya crew broke the news this weekend that Pattison had signed a long-term deal with The Students after he brought a premature end to his time with Santos last month. There was interest in the midfielder from other clubs in South Africa as well as in the UK, but the 25-year-old has told the crew that Wits is a perfect move for him. 

He said, “I’m very happy. As soon as Jose Ferreira got in touch I was keen to go, because he’s there. They’re a good club who play the right way and maybe just need that little bit more experience in order to achieve great things. I think that I’ll fit in well, they’ve got good coaches there which is another reason why I chose them. I’m looking forward to getting started.”

Fans of The Clever Boys will be hoping that the former Newcastle United and Norwich City man is not the only impressive signing that the club make during the off-season and will be keen to see what lies ahead for their side. Soccer Laduma

Pitso to be axed?

Pitso Mosimane might not be coaching Bafana next weekend.

News filtering through to the Siya Crew is that Bafana Bafana coach, Pitso Mosimane, could well be ousted before the Botswana World Cup qualifier this weekend.

After a high level meeting, attended by the ‘Iron Duke’, Dr Irvin Khoza himself, and top ranking members and officials of Safa, it is believed that Pitso may soon be relieved of his position as head coach, more than likely before the Botswana game.

 

SAFA is said to be straining under the pressure of an enormous outcry from the South African public as well as signs of displeasure coming from sections of the government, who expect something to be done because of the result against Ethiopia.

 

It seems someone has to take the fall and Pitso is at the front of the firing line.  Keeping check in with Soccer-Laduma to get the latest as this story unfolds. Soccer-Laduma

Brazil clinch the 8-Nation International Tournament

Brazil overcame Argentina 2-0 in the Final of the 8-Nation International Tournament at Cape Town Stadium on Sunday, needing extra-time to overcome their old foes.

The match got off to an energetic and fast-paced start with play flowing end to end between the two evenly matched opponents.

Brazil had the first chance when Joao Filipo's free kick was tipped over by Walter Benitez.

At the other end Argentine midfielder Alan Ruiz came even closer when his free kick forced Matheus de Oliveira into making a full stretched dive to keep the ball out of goal.

Four minutes later and Benitez was again in action as he rushed out to beat Adelmison Bispo Jnr to a long ball, the Argentine keeper giving away a free kick just outside the box after bringing down his opponent, receiving a yellow card for his troubles.

Argentina then had two chances in quick succession as Carlos Ruiz had a near post drive saved before Jonathan Valle headed a powerful effort just wide.

Bispo Jnr looked up for it after the break and his lively runs soon had the Argentine defence under pressure.

It was from a corner though that Brazil came close to scoring as Misael Bueno went very close with his header, getting up well amongst a crowd of players.

In the 55th minute it was Argentina's turn to attack and Alan Ruiz nearly looped in a header, after he had done well to hang in the air long enough to make contact. KickOff

Bispo again demonstrated his pace on 63 minutes, stretching the Argentina defence before having his near post shot saved.

Ruiz then saw his curling and dipping drive miss by a few inches as chances on goal remained evenly shared.

The remainder of the 90 minutes remained tight, with no real clear-cut chances in the box the game went into 30 minutes of extra time.

It was Argentina who looked more dangerous in the first half of extra time, putting the Brazil goal under constant pressure, though not really coming close to scoring.

But it was Brazil who were to finally break the deadlock, just a minute into the second period of extra time as Bispo Jnr picked the ball up out wide, drove goal wards and then fired in a low left-footed drive from 18 yards.

Argentina came back strongly as they desperately tried to get back into the game.
But when Bispo Jnr went on another breathtaking solo run in the 115th minute it earned Brazil a penalty after he was brought down by Valle.

Felipe made no mistake from the spot to secure the 2-0 win for Brazil.

Bafana draws against Ethiopia

Bafana Bafana salvaged a 1-1 draw with Ethiopia after a second-half strike from Katlego Mphela in their 2014 World Cup qualifier at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace on Sunday.
Bafana Bafana almost had a perfect start when Siyabonga Nomvethe was played through but his shot bounced just wide of the post.
Despite the early chance, the hosts were looking both nervous and rushed in the final third as they struggled to break through the determined Ethiopian defence.
The visitors, on the other hand, were happy to soak up the pressure and when they received the ball they put together some snappy passes and looked dangerous on the counter.
Steven Pienaar floated in a superb free-kick in the 11th minute which Bongani Khumalo came storming in for but the goalkeeper pushed it over with his fingertips.
Bafana goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune was then tested with a fairly simple shot on one such break early on when Saladin Said got some space in the area but scuffed his shot.
Khune almost made a comical error in the 19th minute when his clearance smashed into the striker but the ball bounced wide of the goal.
Ethiopia would then snatch the lead when Siphiwe Tshabalala played a horrible pass to Tsepo Masilela in the 28th minute and Said nipped in before thundering a shot in off the underside of the crossbar.
Bafana then suffered another blow when Masilela had to come off after just half an hour of play and was replaced by Punch Masenamela.
Katlego Mphela tested the goalkeeper with a powerful long-range free-kick which the stopper spilled but he dived onto the rebound to prevent the on-rushing South Africans from poking home as the visitors remained in the lead.
Bafana continued to struggle in the final few minutes and another effort from the lively Said flashed just wide of the target with Khune scrambling.
It was more of the same after the break with Bafana struggling to break through and Ethiopia goalkeeper took a boot to the face in the 51st minute after a desperate slide from Nomvethe.
Mphela would then nod wide in the 55th minute Killer forced a brilliant save from the goalkeeper when he glanced on a sublime cross from Pienaar in the 63rd minute.
Masenamela was lively in the second period and constantly found space down the left but Ethiopia had packed the area with players and Bafana continued to struggle.
The hosts would finally restore their hope with just over 10 minutes to go when Mphela muscled his way past his defender and curled a shot into the far corner.
Pienaar should have put the hosts ahead moments later when he was found inside the area with loads of space but he side-footed the chance wide.
Bafana had a late free-kick which came to nothing in the five minutes of stoppage time and Ethiopia stood firm to secure a valuable away point while coach Pitso Mosimane is now without a win in seven games. Soccer Laduma