Spain chalk a hard fought victory over South Africa for third place

Accra, June 28, GNA - Spain had to dig deep into their experience to subdue a determined host South Africa to clinch a hard fought third place in their Confederations cup competition. After a goalless evenly fought first half it was the host, the Bafana Bafana who scored the opener in the 73rd minute through Katleko Mphela who connected home a neat cross from Siphiwe Tsabalala. The world champions, Spain stringed their passes together with long balls managed to fetch the equalizer through Daniel Guiza in the 88th minute from a sustained pressure on their opponents. A minute later Guiza was on target to stun the home side with a calculated shot into the far corner of the net to silence the vociferous ho9me fans.

When it seemed that the die was cast for the Bafana Bafana, Mphela also ensured his side were back into the picture when he delivered a well taken free-kick to send the match into extra time just on the stroke of full time.

Spain took advantage of their experience to snatch the winner in the extra time when Xabi Alonso ensured victory for his side with a calculated free kick that sailed harmlessly into the net for the bronze medal.