Bafana Bafana rue missed opportunities as Niger hold them to goalless draw

Bafana Bafana controlled proceedings, but were unable to turn any of their advantage into goals, arguably due to two controversial decisions by the Video Assistant Referee.

The first came in the 19th minute. Referee Bouchra Karboubi awarded a penalty to South Africa after Kaketso Majadibodu was brought down heavily by Ridouane Assane in the box. However, after much deliberation, VAR overturned the penalty decision and Bafana had to fight on.

There was more VAR drama at the end of the first half. A superb cross was collected by Bafana star Thabiso Kutumela, but Niger gloveman Mahamadou Tanja rushed sprawled and pulled off a great save. Kutumela had another shot at the rebound and it hit Tanja's legs and then even a third shot was denied by a diving Niger captain Mohamed Abdouramane.

Abdouramane's save seemed to have touched his arm - as the ball clearly deflected - but after a lengthy VAR decision, there was no penalty given.

Molefi Ntseki's men had all the ball and all the chances, but could not convert their dominance into a goal.

Early on in the second stanza, Niger had a great chance when Salifou Danja was in space with just the keeper to beat on the angle, but his shot went wide.

Another chance in the 76th minute saw a goalmouth scramble in front of Samukelo Xulu's goal after a corner, but the bouncing ball would come off the left-hand upright and get cleared by the nervous defence.

A deflated Bafana lacked the energy in the latter stages, perhaps regretting their missed chances in front of goal.

The result means it's a straight shootout between hosts Uganda and South Africa for a place in the quarterfinals on Monday. 

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