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Rustenburg - Bafana Bafana have suffered a shock early exit from the Cosafa Cup after losing to Botswana on penalties at the Moruleng Stadium on Sunday.
Bafana began the more brightly of the two sides, but in truth neither team was able to create any meaningful chances in the first quarter of the match.
Despite South Africa having the better of the play, it was Botswana who had the first real opportunity to score in the 26th minute.
Bafana goalkeeper Jackson Mabokgwane dropped a cross right at Omaatla Kebatho's feet, but the striker hit his volley wide of the mark.
Thanda Royal Zulu striker Phumelele Bhengu nearly put South Africa ahead, but was just unable to connect with Marc van Heerden's cross.
On the stroke half-time Mabogwane produced a good save to keep Lemponye Tshireletso's 20-yard strike out and the hosts on level terms.
Thamsanqa Sangweni connected with a Van Heerden corner two minutes after the break, but was unable to hit the target with his header.
Bafana continued to pressure and create chances but Botswana's defence and the excellent Kabelo Dambe kept them at bay.
South Africa's best chance of the game came in the 72nd minute when Siyabonga Nhlapho turned expertly to create space but his shot went agonisingly wide.
In the end, neither side was able to break the deadlock and the game was decided by penalties
Ofentse Nato gave Botswana the advantage before Lark's spot kick was saved by Dambe.
Mpho Kgaswane doubled the visitor's advantage with a well-taken penalty, 2-0.
Clayton Daniels finished expertly to claw one back for South Africa making it 2-1.
Joel Mogorosi recovered Botswana's lead before Van Heerden scored his penalty, 3-2.
Hendrick Moyo gave Bafana a lifeline with a very poor effort that was easily saved by Mabogwane.
Gift Motupa levelled the scores for South Africa and the side's traded penalty's until, with the score at 7-6 to Botswana, Mngonyama struck the upright, handing their opponents the victory.
South Africa: Mabokgwane; Nhlapo, Mngonyama, Daniels, Van Heerden, Lark, T. Sangweni (Madisha 86'), Morena, Segolela, Motupa, Bhengu (Nyanda 76')
Botswana: Dambe, Gadibolae, Gaolaolwe, Ncenga, Koobake, Legwaila, Nato, Boy (H.Moyo 63'), Kgaswane, Kebatho, Tshireletso (Mogorosi 62')
