Bafana hold the 'Elephants'

Bafana Bafana came back to force a 1-1 draw with Ivory Coast in an exciting Nelson Mandela Challenge clash that meant the two sides shared the trophy at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

The Ivorians took the lead through an own-goal from substitute defender Siboniso Gaxa in the 36th minute after a defensive mix up that was instigated by midfielder Yaya Toure, who had powered his way into the box.

Striker Katlego Mphela equalised for South Africa in the 53rd minute with a trademark free-kick taken outside the box, stunningly landing on the right hand side corner of the post.

In the team's first match since failing in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers last month, Bafana gave an impressive display against the star-studded Ivorians – who are also the continent's best ranked team –in front of 23, 000 supporters at the picturesque venue.

Bafana – sporting a new national kit – had several top players back in Tsepo Masilela, with captain Steven Pienaar and Kagisho Dikgacoi back in midfield, while Ivory Coast included Kolo and Yaya Toure, and Gervinho in their starting line up.
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