Bafana Bafana’s unstoppable momentum continued under coach Hugo Broos, as they secured a resounding 3-0 victory over South Sudan in their final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match, Cape {town} Etc reports.
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The match, played at a sold-out DHL Stadium, showcased a well-oiled team ready for the challenges ahead, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers set to resume in March.
From the very start, Bafana Bafana took control of the game. In the 7th minute, Iqraam Rayners put the hosts ahead with a clinical finish, following a perfectly timed assist from Oswin Appollis. The visitors had few opportunities to challenge, but in the 20th minute, Patrick Maswanganyi nearly doubled the lead after another assist from Appollis. However, South Sudan’s goalkeeper Majak Mawith produced a brilliant save to deny him.
Maswanganyi would not be denied for long, though. In the 22nd minute, he pounced on a rebound from a Teboho Mokoena shot, which Mawith had saved but could not control, making it 2-0 to Bafana Bafana. This goal further solidified Maswanganyi’s growing reputation as a key player, especially with the looming absence of the injured Themba Zwane. Rayners also had a chance to add to his tally in the 29th minute, but Mawith made another excellent save.
South Sudan’s best opportunity came in the 34th minute when Ronwen Williams, marking his 50th appearance for Bafana Bafana, made a crucial save to maintain his team’s two-goal advantage going into halftime.
Bafana Bafana came out strong after the break, and in the 49th minute, they were awarded a penalty after Khuliso Mudau was fouled in the box. Teboho Mokoena stepped up and confidently converted, making it 3-0.
Although Fawaaz Basadien came close with a half-volley that narrowly missed in the 59th minute, the score remained unchanged, and Bafana Bafana wrapped up the match with a dominant 3-0 victory.
This result secured Bafana Bafana’s top position in Group K of the AFCON qualifiers, with an impressive tally of 14 points from four wins and two draws. Coach Broos will be pleased with the contributions from several players, including Lyle Foster, Elias Mokwana, Bathusi Aubaas, Morena, and Thalente Mbatha, all of whom played crucial roles in securing the qualification.
With the 2025 AFCON now in the bag, Bafana Bafana’s attention turns to the 2026 World Cup qualification campaign. The team shares the top spot in Group C with Rwanda and Benin, setting the stage for an exciting run towards qualification. Broos, now the longest-serving Bafana coach, is set to make history by leading the team to back-to-back AFCON tournaments, including the 2025 edition in Morocco.
On a personal note, Ronwen Williams marked his 50th cap in style, a decade after his debut in a 5-0 loss to Brazil in 2014. His milestone came as part of a standout night for the team, whose success under Broos has rejuvenated South African football.
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