5 lessons South Africa learned for Cameroon return

Ostensibly, a draw away at Cameroon isn't a bad result for South Africa, but some portions of the Bafana fanbase have expressed disappointment at having twice ceded a lead and ultimately, squandering two points.

The result leaves the national side five points behind the Indomitable Lions, who currently lead Group M, but could cut the Central Africans' advantage to just two points with a win in Durban on Tuesday. In this feature, we explore how Shakes Mashaba can tweak his side in order to give Bafana the best chance of taking maximum points in their second showdown.

Be bold: From Hlompho Kekana's wondergoal to Cameroon coach Hugo Broos's comments after the match that South African should be higher in the group standings, there are many reasons for Mashaba's troops to take encouragement from Saturday's showing. They must build on the positives and head into Sunday's bout confident that they can outclass their illustrious opponents. This doesn't necessarily mean that every player needs to be taking potshots from 55 metres, but Bafana should at least be bold enough to express themselves and seek the victory.

Keep the concentration up: While some fans were disappointed with Saturday's match, it would have been worse had Thulani Hlatshwayo not blocked Stephane Mbia's stoppage-time effort on the line. Itumeleng Khune was also on hand for a few valuable stops, but would have been the villain of the piece late on had Hlatshwayo not been so alert to the danger.

Khune and his teammates must remain entirely focused in Durban, particularly if Bafana start the match strongly and take the lead. Complacency must not undermine South Africa, as it did for Cameroon's set-piece equaliser.

Use the flanks: While Mpho Makola looked the part in the first leg, Mandla Masango struggled to impress, with his decision-making was sub-par, particularly for one so talented. However, the two men will likely be called upon in the second bout to stretch a Cameroon side who may not feel the need to press forward and attack. Don’t be surprised to see the Lions sit tight and attempt to frustrate the home side. If they do this, Bafana's use of the flanks and their pacey widemen will be crucial.

Take your chances: Despite scoring two goals away in Limbe, Bafana were still guilty of profligacy in front of goal, and fans watching back at home or following on social media were tearing their hair out at the endless missed opportunities. Don't expect the Lions to be so charitable once again, and the South African strikers must take their chances, particularly Tokelo Rantie, who impressed with his pace but missed a big chance to double Bafana's advantage…it was ultimately decisive.

Time for Serero to start? While I'd argue that Masango ought to be given the chance to improve on his underwhelming showing in the first match, it's hard to have the same optimism that Thamsanqa Gabuza will build on his underwhelming showing. Gabuza's anonymous outing in Limbe mirrored his recent form for Orlando Pirates, and replacing the forward with Serero would allow Mashaba to bolster his midfield, add a spark of creativity and, quite frankly, even improve the goal threat.