Half-Time Report : City's Iheanacho, Etebo Come Close To Scoring; RSA Hit The Post

Nigeria have been held to a 0-0 half-time draw by South Africa in their African Cup of Nations qualification match at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium this evening.

It was the Super Eagles who managed to fashion the game's first attempt, as Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune was forced to beat away Kelechi Iheanacho's well-struck shot on 13 minutes.

South Africa soon found the type of fluency which saw them grab a 2-2 draw in Uyo two years ago.

Tekelo Rantie found Subosiso Vilakazi on the edge of the area but his effort was comfortably saved by Daniel Akpeyi while the Genclerbeligi man menaced once more but Keagan Dolly failed to connect with his teasing cross.

Oghenekaro Etebo was inches from netting the curtain raiser after his low effort went past Khune but didn't land in the net.

Moses Simon forced Khune to paw away his thumping effort.

The away team almost silenced the home fans in the 43rd minute. Thambe Zwane's shot hit the bar as both sides cancelled each other out in the opening 45 minutes.

Igho Kingsley