Bafana Bafana go down to Zambia in the 2012 Nelson Mandela Challenge Bafana Bafana went down 1-0 to Zambia in the 18th Edition of the Nelson Mandela Challenge played on Wednesday (14 November 2012) at the Soccer City Complex.

A minute of silence was observed in memory of the late Bafana Bafana assistant coach Thomas Madigage who would have turned 42 on the day.

Second half substitute Collins Mbesuma scored the all-important winner in the 64th minute.

Without the injured Siyabonga Sangweni, Bafana Bafana head coach Gordon Igesund used Thabo Nthete in central defence along-side captain Bongani Khumalo, with Anele Ngcongca playing in right back - his first match under Igesund.

Platinum Stars midfielder Thuso Phala made his debut for Bafana Bafana when he came on for Sifiso Myeni in the second half.

South Africa had their chances but failed not convert them.

"It was a very good exercise against formidable opponents, and I believe we were just unfortunate tonight. We were not a unit tonight, but with more work on the training field we can get better. Yes, we are disappointed with the result because we would have loved to win. However, we know where we are, where we are going and to me that is the important thing," said Igesund.

"By the time we play our first game in the Africa Cup of Nations tournament against Cape Verde, I believe we will be ready. As much as we want to win, right now it is time is to fine-tune the squad for the tournament."

South Africa:

Itumeleng Khune, Thabo Nthete, Anele Ngcongca, Bongani Khumalo (C), Ricardo Nunes, Dean Furman (Delron Buckley 80th), Kagisho Dikgacoi (Reneilwe Letsholonyane 64th), Sifiso Myeni (Thuso Phala 52nd), Bernard Parker (Kermit Erasmus 46th), Lerato Chabangu (TekkiModise 73rd), Rantie (Mashego 27th)

Zambia:

Mweene, Musonda, Himoonde, Nkausu (Mbola 55th), Sunzu, Sinkala, Lungu(Njobvu (77th), J. Mulenga (Mbesuma 46th), Chansa (M Mulenga 60th), C. Katongo (Sakuwaha 60th), Mayuka (Chamanga 69th)