Already under some pressure, South Africa coach Pitso Mosimane will find no respite after the hosts only just salvaged a draw with Ethiopia.

One win from nine full internationals has Bafana Bafana reeling, but it could have been worse as the east Africans looked like holding their slender lead through most of the contest thanks to goalkeeper Sesay Basa.

The buzzing Saladin was a menace to South Africa’s defence, and took advantage of a sloppy giveaway to finish into the roof of the net.

Mphela’s late equaliser was a curling goal from outside the area, but it could not change the mood of the sparse Rustenburg crowd even if South Africa did manage to avoid an outright qualifying blunder.

Bafana have the chance to get back on track in Group A next weekend with an important contest at neighbours Botswana, while the plucky Ethiopians will look to build on their good play when hosting the group’s surprise leaders Central African Republic.