Bafana Bafana Shines in 3-0 Triumph, Closing Afcon Qualifiers on a High

Bafana Bafana ended their Afcon qualifying campaign with style, defeating South Sudan 3-0 at Cape Town Stadium. This win marked the end of a successful year, after Bafana’s bronze medal achievement in the Afcon tournament in Ivory Coast earlier in 2024.

Early Goals Set the Tone

The game started with energy, boosted by the lively Cape Town crowd. Iqraam Rayners scored in the seventh minute, tapping in a perfect pass from Oswin Appollis. Bafana’s pressure continued, creating multiple chances against a struggling South Sudan defense. Just 15 minutes later, Patrick Maswanganyi pounced on a loose ball to double the score, with Appollis again involved in the buildup.

New Faces Shine in Starting Lineup

Coach Hugo Broos, knowing Bafana had already qualified for Afcon 2025, included some fresh players. Ronwen Williams, celebrating his 50th cap, left the game in the 74th minute, giving debutant Sage Stephens his first taste of international play. Relebohile Mofokeng, Nkosinathi Sibisi, and Devin Titus also got valuable game time, with Titus replacing Thapelo Morena in the closing minutes.

Ronan Williams

Sage Stephens

Mokoena’s Penalty Completes the Dominant Win

In the second half, Bafana kept up their pace. Teboho Mokoena scored the team’s third goal from the penalty spot in the 50th minute after Khuliso Mudau was fouled in the box. Bafana stayed aggressive, controlling the game until the final whistle.

Looking Forward to World Cup Qualifiers

With Afcon qualification secured, Bafana’s next challenge is the World Cup qualifiers in March, where they will face Lesotho. The team has shown a strong mix of skill and confidence, giving fans hope for continued success.

Final Thoughts

Bafana Bafana’s performance against South Sudan showcased their growth. Blending seasoned stars with new talent, Bafana has proven they’re ready to take on the continent’s best. Fans can look forward to more thrilling matches as Bafana sets its sights on even bigger victories.