Ethiopia 2 - Botswana 1; South Africa 3 - Central African Republic 0

Lobatse and hosts Botswana looked to deal surprise group leaders Ethiopia a blow.  The match began slowly, but it would be Ethiopia who would spring to life first.  With a dozen minutes left in the half, Getaneh Kebede was allowed to dribble into the heart of the Botswana defense and take an open shot from the penalty spot, a defensive breakdown deserving of the punishment of a goal.  At the cusp of halftime, Ethiopia doubled their advantage.  A turnover led to an immediate through ball to Ethiopia striker Saladin Said.  A power strike from Said at the edge of the penalty area did the damage.  Ethiopia led 2-0 at intermission.

 Botswana did not roll over and succumb, however.  They battled, and they were rewarded with a quarter hour left on the clock.  A nice cross from the left wing to the near post was flicked on backwards by substitute Tebogo Sembowa.  Botswana were unable, however, to close the entire gap in the final quarter hour.  Ethiopia win 2-1.

Yaounde, Cameroon was the site of the match between nominal hosts Central African Republic and South Africa.  South Africa were looking to keep pace with Ethiopia, and that they did.  Siphiwe Tshabalala (pictured, green) slotted a long-distance through ball to Bernard Parker, who had to simultaneously nutmeg and leap over the oncoming Central African Republic goalkeeper Emmanuel Yezzoat (pictured, black).  The ball trickled into the goal for a 1-0 lead to Bafana Bafana.  Tshabalala scored a wonder goal at the end of the half.  Yezzoat had initially blocked a shot to safety, but South Africa remained in attack.  Tshabalala received the ball and sprung a one-two-one with Tokelo Rantie, leaving Tshabalala was in on goal.  A feint to get the goalkeeper on the ground was enough to empty the net, and Tshabalala filled it with a goal.  South Africa took the 2-0 lead with them into their dressing room.

Early in the second half, the home side should have drawn closer, but Hilaire Mome's cross was plucked out of the air by South Africa goalkeeper Itemelung Khune with multiple Central African attackers in his vicinity.  Bafana Bafana dropped into a shell for the remainder of the match, caring only to counterattack.  That they did with success in stoppage time.  Oupa Manyisa was in possession along the left flank.  He shimmied and shook his way past defender Therence Khetevoama, and then he floated a perfect cross over the goalkeeper for the simplest of headed finishes by Katlego Mashego.  South Africa win 3-0.

Ethiopia 10 pts +4
South Africa 8 pts +5
Cen. Af. Rep. OUT
Botswana OUT

Goals
Ethiopia
Getaneh Kebede 33
Saladin Said 45

Botswana
Tebogo Sembowa 76

South Africa
Bernard Parker 26
Siphiwe Tshabalala 43
Katlego Mashego 90+1

Match Reports:
http://www.zehabesha.com/ethiopia-victorious-in-botswana/
http://www.soccerladuma.co.za/news/article/international/ethiopia-victorious-in-botswana/133941
http://www.goal.com/en-za/match/82075/central-african-republic-vs-south-africa/report?
http://us.soccerway.com/news/2013/June/08/fifa-world-cup-qualifying-central-african-republic-0-south-africa-3/n231888/

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qMsKTckB4c (Ethiopia v. Botswana)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smxm0ya-6f8 (South Africa v. Central African Republic)