South Africa’s national football team, Bafana Bafana, is still in a strong position to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) despite a recent 1-1 draw with Congo-Brazzaville. The result came after the South Africans squandered a 1-0 lead in their second Afcon qualifier against the central African nation within a week. This draw, though not ideal, still leaves Bafana Bafana with two opportunities to secure their spot in the tournament set to take place in Morocco.
Bafana’s Struggle Against a Resilient Congo
Bafana Bafana started the match well, showing some dominance and creating chances. Their persistence paid off after 30 minutes when they finally broke through the Congolese defence to take the lead. However, after conceding the goal, the home side took control of the game, much to the delight of their fans at the Alphonse Massamba-Débat Stadium in Brazzaville.
Congo-Brazzaville responded with intensity, piling pressure on the South African defence, which had looked rock-solid in their previous match—a convincing 5-0 victory over the same opposition. But cracks began to appear, and the Congolese were unlucky not to take the lead before halftime.
Their efforts were eventually rewarded just before the halftime whistle when Mons Bassouamina equalised, seizing on South Africa’s defensive vulnerabilities. Both teams continued to battle in the second half, but neither side could find a decisive goal, leaving the match deadlocked at 1-1.
The draw was a much-improved showing from the Congolese, who were humbled by Bafana Bafana in their earlier fixture. The result keeps their slim hopes of Afcon qualification alive, although they remain four points behind second-placed South Africa in Group K.
Bafana’s Road to Afcon 2025
Despite the draw, Bafana Bafana remains in a favourable position. They sit on eight points in Group K and need just one win from their remaining two matches to secure their spot at Afcon 2025. Their upcoming fixtures include a tough away game against group leaders Uganda on 11 November, followed by a home clash with South Sudan a few days later.
A win in either of these matches would see Bafana Bafana book their ticket to the continental tournament, bringing much-needed confidence to the team, the fans, and coach Hugo Broos.
Broos’ Bold Squad Decisions
In the lead-up to the recent double-header against Congo, Bafana coach Hugo Broos faced a challenging selection dilemma. Two of his trusted players, right-back Khuliso Mudau and midfielder Teboho Mokoena, were left out in the cold by their club, Mamelodi Sundowns, under the management of new head coach Manqoba Mngqithi. Despite their fitness and undeniable talent, the pair had been overlooked at club level, raising questions about their form and match readiness.
However, Broos stood by his decision to select both players, and his gamble paid off. Mudau and Mokoena put in strong performances over the two crucial fixtures, proving that they could still deliver on the international stage despite limited playing time at Sundowns.
While Broos’ faith in the duo has been rewarded for now, their prolonged absence from Sundowns’ starting lineup presents a long-term challenge for the national team. If they continue to be frozen out at club level, the coach may need to explore other options ahead of future fixtures.
The Final Push
With two games remaining in the qualification campaign, Bafana Bafana is on the cusp of securing their spot at Afcon 2025. The squad’s recent performances have shown promise, and the team is more than capable of finishing the job. However, with tough matches ahead, including the clash against Uganda, Broos and his team will need to maintain focus and ensure they take full advantage of their remaining opportunities.
A strong finish to the campaign will not only secure qualification but also build momentum ahead of what promises to be a highly competitive tournament in Morocco.
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