Zimbabwe and South Africa played out to a goalless draw in their 2022 World Cup Group D qualifier at the National Stadium in Harare on Friday afternoon.
Both struggled to retain possession in the beginning, but it was Zdravko Logarusic’s men who dictated terms in the opening stages as Alec Mudimu received a free-kick in the third minute after he was fouled but their attempt went off Ronwen Williams’ posts.
Bafana Bafana started to settle down in the fifth minute and Luther Signh’s shot sailed wide after partnering well with Percy Tau and Makoena in the heart of the park, seconds later, a follow up shot by Xulu was blocked from a great pass by Mothobi Mvala.
In the 16th minute, Zimbabwe kept South Africa in their own half as Billiat continued to show his class allowing Knowledge Musona some space but Tino Kadewere’s shot went straight to Williams.
Kadewere continued to dominate and he unleashed a beautiful set-piece which deceived Williams, who almost fumbled into his own net.
After 30 minutes of play, Percy Tau pushed forward as time was slowly ticking against the hosts in search of an opener.
In the last five minutes, a brilliant interchange of passes between Singh, Tau and Makgopa saw Mobbie’s shot straight to Talbert Shumba’s hands as both sides head to the tunnel with no goals to show for it.
South Africa produced a better showing in the second half, with Tau forcing Shumba into a superb save in the 51st minute to deny the winger’s fierce drive from hitting the back of the net.
Bafana were then strangely awarded a free-kick on the edge of Warriors area in the 56th minute after Marshal Munetsi fouled Gift Links inside the area.
Nyiko Mobbie should have broken the deadlock in the 68th minute when he pass played clear by midfielder, but the striker hesitated, allowing Divine Lunga to execute a superb tackle to clear the danger.
And although both sides through caution to the wind in the final 15 minutes or so, neither side could penetrate the other’s defence and were resigned to sharing the spoils.
