Sone Aluko's goals was not enough to fire the eagles into the next year African Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea next year, with Congo coming second behind South Africa in Group A.
Sone Aluko's goals was not enough to fire the eagles into the next year African Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea next year, with Congo coming second behind South Africa in Group A.
The south Africans came into the clash hoping to savage their pride after failing to beat Nigeria in any competitive macth, this was the motivating factor behind South Africa's aim of beating Nigeria haven't fully qualified for the tournament in Equatorial Guinea next year.
The hosts’ first chance of the match came four minutes later, when CSKA Moscow winger Ahmed Musa beat Bafana defender Erick Mathoho for pace before unleashing a powerful strike which hit the crossbar, with goalkeeper Dareen Keet rooted to the ground.
In the 16th minute, Musa had two great back-to-back opportunities, finding himself in a one-on-one situation against Keet twice. However, the Kortrijk shot-stopper denied the 22-year-old attacker on both occasions.
Keet was again called into action in the 24th minute, and this time it was Nigerian forward Ikechukwu Uche, whose strike from 30 yards out was well gathered by the South African goalkeeper.
In the 41st minute, Nigeria were made to pay for their incompetence. Rantie broke down the left into the box, before beating Super Eagles keeper and captain Vincent Enyeama at his near post to hand the South Africans the lead.
Just three minutes into the second half, former Orlando Pirates striker Rantie grabbed his second, out-muscling Nigeria centre-half Azubuike Egwuekwe on the edge of the box then hitting the back of the net.
The Super Eagles kept on pushing and pressing in search of a goal, and they were rewarded 10 minutes later, after substitute Aluko pounced onto a loose ball inside the box to make it 2-1.
In the 70th South Africa midfielder Letsholonyane was red-carded after collecting his second yellow of the night and Keshi promptly urged his side forward in search of the goals they needed.
The reigning Afcon champions grabbed a lifeline right at the death, with Aluko‘s low drive into the bottom corner offering a glimmer of hope.
At the end of 90 minutes plus additional time the Super Eagles hope of defending the cup they won early this year came to an end.