Iwobi Frustrated, Omeruo Benched As Nigeria Suffer Shock Loss To South Africa

There were no mishaps from South Africa as they began their quest to qualify for the 2019 African Cup of Nations with a convincing victory over Nigeria at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Saturday.

Goals from Tekelo Rantie and Pacy Tau gave Bafana Bafana victory in front of the perplexed Super Eagles fans.

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.

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.

South Africa's first goal came from dependable Rantie whose header beat Akpeyi at the near post in the 54th minutes.

The hosts lacked precision and couldn't string passes together. They were completely outplayed by the visiting team.

It was evident that the team missed the presence of skipper John Obi Mikel who is still recuperating from injury.

Rantie was at the heart of the positive moves made by South Africa. His intelligent ball to Zwane was well struck but it came off the post on the 70 minute mark.

Khune made key saves from substitute Olanrewaju Kayode, while Dean Furman cleared the ball off a goal mouth scramble following a great move by the Super Eagles.

Substitute Tau then scored on the counter with ten minutes left on the clock to seal victory for the Stuart Baxter managed side.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel