Madagascar coach Razafimaharo Jean Chy said their first team was in Tunisia for the Four-Nations Cup. His confirmation was in contrast to what chairman of SA national soccer teams Barney Kujane had said a week ago.

Kujane said media reports were mere speculation that Madagascar was bringing their second-string team.

In the end Bafana coach Ephraim "Shakes" Mashaba said that his team boasted the strongest possible squad and were too good for the opposition.

"Its most unfortunate when you are too strong for the

opposition. You automatically go down their level," said Mashaba. "They had nothing to lose playing against us."

Orlando Pirates striker and Premier Soccer League leading goal scorer Lesley Manyathela struck a close-range shot past goalkeeper Roharison Jean Chrysostome in the 42nd minute.

Manyathela who has scored 15 goals for Pirates this season, registered his first goal for Bafana in his sixth cap.

An own goal by the Malagasy defender Ramarojaona Rabesaotra Ando put Bafana further ahead in the 82nd minute. Ramarojaona stabbed home a Japhet Zwane cross past his own 'keeper.

The visitors, who paraded their inexperienced players, were dealt a low blow when their goal was disallowed by referee Harris Shikapande in the 34th minute.

The Zambian official ruled it off-side although it appeared to have been a legitimate goal in the eyes of many.

Voavy Robinse then missed the easiest of opportunities to score a consolation goal for Madagascar in the 65th minute.

His close range attempt failed as Bafana goalkeeper Brian

"Spiderman" Baloyi was equal to the task.

But generally, the game was dull.

Bafana boasted six overseas based players but still could not take full advantage of their lesser experienced opposition.

Safa who called up Bafana's overseas players to help coach Mashaba to select his strongest squad for games against Jamaica and England in April and May respectively,seems to be a futile move.

Mashaba is none the wiser as his charges were not tested at all.

The match also failed to attract the crowds to Soccer City with less than half the fans who witnessed Orlando Pirates playing Kaizer Chiefs.

Copy by Sapa