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A goalkeeping error by Bundesliga-bound Rowen Fernandez cost South Africa the chance on Sunday to make sure of their place at next year’s MTN Africa Cup of Nations finals in Ghana.
Fernandez, who is joining Arminia Bielefeld next month, let a long range short from Jean Vivien Bantimba slip through his fingers as Congo held the 2010 World Cup host to a 1-1 draw in their Group 11 qualifier in Pointe Noire.
The result kept up South Africa’s three point lead in the group but they still need one more point from their last game at home to second placed Zambia in September to make 100 percent sure of a trip to next January’s finals in Ghana.
Congo outplayed South Africa through a first half in which the visitors struggled to come to terms with the artificial pitch in the oil-rich coastal town.
But straight after the break, Congo’s defence were caught by a series of quick passes which ended with Sibusiso Zuma easily beating Congo goalkeeper BareMouko.
South Africa, who would have ensured qualification with an away win, let the lead slip when Bantimba’s 65th minute shot went straight at Fernandez but the goalkeeper allowed it through his fingers and into the net. It was the first goal conceded by South Africa in the qualifiers.
Zuma and substitutes Teko Modise and Siyabonga Nomvete both squandered a series of gilt-edged late changes for South Africa to win the game.
The draw ended Congo’s hopes of qualification for the finals next January.