Sebastien Haller and Themba Zwane Score As Ivory Coast and South Africa Settle on Entertaining Draw

• Ivory Coast and South Africa settled on an entertaining draw
• Sebastien Haller had several chances in the first half and eventually got past Ronwen Williams
• Ivory Coast had the larger share of possession in the second half but could only find one goal

For atmosphere and application, Tuesday was the cheese to Friday's chalk.

A different Bafana Bafana was seen in Abidjan on Tuesday night against Ivory Coast.

The result was not much different but the way Hugo Broos's players went about the 90 minutes was a vast improvement.

Broos made six changes to the starting lineup that dominated Eswatini, albeit without the finishing touch.

Themba Zwane retained his place and was on hand to smash home at the end of a slick move in the ninth minute to quieten the enthusiastic crowd.

Whatever Broos had said in the days before was working as Bafana Bafana played the first half with tempo and purpose.

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Ivory Coast were by no means pedestrian as they matched South Africa stride for stride, making for an entertaining first 45 minutes.

Sebastien Haller had the best opportunities for the host in the first half.

For the first, he powered a cross over the crossbar when unmarked in the box. He then hit the post after being gifted the ball from a partially intercepted clearance.

The second half began with the same pace and energy as the first half, this time with Ivory Coast slightly in the ascendancy.

Khuliso Mudau had a glorious opportunity to extend the lead from a counter-attack but the right-back scuffed wide.

From the 60th minute, Ivory Coast began to peg South Africa deep into their own half and the pressure could not be stopped.

Moving the ball around the edge of Bafana's box, a simple cross into the centre of the box found an unmarked Haller, who hit the back of the net.

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With over 25 minutes still to play, Ivory Coast threw themselves into every attack.

The hosts came close several times but in the end, a combination of Ronwen Williams and brave defending kept Ivory Coast at bay for a well-deserved 1-1 draw.

Carling Knockout Cup details

Sports Brief recently reported on the draw, fixtures, and prize money for the Carling Knockout Cup, which is due to commence on Wednesday.

The first fixture will see TS Galaxy host Mamelodi Sundowns, and on Friday night, Orlando Pirates host Cape Town Spurs.

The winners of the competition will earn a collective R9.6 million, with the bulk being the R6.6 million earned from winning the final.