Setback for ex-Kaizer Chiefs coach as Bafana Bafana suffer first away defeat against Flames' Malawi in 24 years

Bafana Bafana lost 1-0 to Malawi in an African Nations Championship qualifier final round, first leg match away at Bingu National Stadium on Saturday.

As the match seemingly headed for a goalless draw, Zeliat Nkhoma struck for the Flames with two minutes remaining to separate the two sides.

This was despite coach Molefi Ntseki's Bafana dominating proceedings for the better part of the match, but they could not score.

Coach Molefi Ntseki's household names like Reyaad Pieterse, Wayde Jooste, Kwanda Mngonyama, Tebogo Potsane, Sammy Seabi, Samkelo Zwane and Kamohelo Mahlatsi.

That highlights the rich talent South Africa possesses to make various national teams.

This season, the likes of Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns have been presenting the case of the Premier Soccer League being one of the best leagues in Africa.

But the national team, composed of locally based players, has been struggling to justify that notion.

This has been seen by how they have been stuttering in the Cosafa Cup as well as the Chan qualifiers which they, however, still have a chance ti prove their critics wrong.

South Africa now prepare to host Malawi for the second leg at Loftus Versfeld on May 11.

Should they win that match by at least two clean goals, they will qualify for the Chan tournament to be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda in August.