South Africa cement 2nd spot with win over Sao Tome and Principe

Reading time: minutes

South Africa won 4-2. AFP

South Africa have moved six points clear of third placed Sudan in their African Cup of Nations qualifying group after avoiding an upset against African minnows Sao Tome and Principe.

Group C. MD 4

Sao Tome and Principe

2-4

South Africa

16 NOV 2020

South Africa came into the match after having already beaten Sao Tome and Principe 2-0 a few days earlier. However, it proved to be a different match away to the African minnows.

The game was actually being played at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth and over 100 places separate these side in the World Rankings but an upset was on the cards as Joazhiffel Soares scored for the hosts early on.

South Africa pulled one back before half-time courtesy of a goal from Mamelodi Sundowns player Themba Zwane.

South Africa got their second with just 30 minutes left thanks to Anderlecht player Percy Tau, but the home side didn't give up and equalised 5 minutes later.

The away side spared their blushes with 87 minutes on the clock thanks to quickfire goals from Zwane and Tau again after Sao Tome and Principe had a man sent off for a double yellow card.

South Africa are joint top with Ghana who play Sudan on Tuesday, while Sao Tome and Principe remain rooted to the bottom with 0 points.