Bafana Bafana Dominate South Sudan in Final AFCON Qualifier

Bafana Bafana concluded their 2025 AFCON qualifying campaign with a resounding 3-0 victory over South Sudan at the packed DHL Cape Town Stadium on Tuesday evening. The match, played before a jubilant crowd of 50,000, showcased Bafana's dominance and marked a successful end to their qualifying journey. Already qualified for the tournament, the match provided Coach Hugo Broos with an opportunity to experiment and further solidify team cohesion. South Sudan, despite their commendable effort, were unable to withstand Bafana's attacking prowess.

Dominant Display by Bafana Bafana

South Africa entered the fixture with confidence, fielding a strong starting eleven. Despite their guaranteed qualification, the team demonstrated a commitment to excellence, clearly aiming to impress their home crowd and finish the qualifying campaign on a high. Captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams led from the back, supported by a defensive line that ensured stability throughout the match. The midfield controlled possession and created numerous opportunities for the forwards. The team's fluid movement and precision passing created numerous scoring chances.

Tactical Masterclass from Broos

Coach Hugo Broos’ tactical decisions throughout the game played a significant role in Bafana's victory. His decision to rotate the squad, giving opportunities to players who had previously featured less, demonstrated his astute management skills and trust in the depth of his squad's talent. The changes injected fresh energy into the team, enhancing their dynamic play on the field and contributing to their victory. The final team sheet included Williams, Mudau, Ngezana, Dortley, Basadien, Aubaas, Mokoena, Maswanganyi, Appollis, Rayners, and Morena.

South Sudan's Determined Effort

Despite facing a strong South African side, South Sudan displayed resilience and determination throughout the match. Their coach, Nicolas Dupuis, highlighted the importance of the game for the team's development. He noted that competing against top teams such as South Africa offered valuable experience and learning opportunities for his players. The lineup featured Mawith in goal, with Pal and Laku organizing the backline. Their midfielders, Taban and Wani, attempted to disrupt South Africa’s midfield rhythm, while Okocha and Wajo provided energy and creativity. Upfront, Gama, Jawa, and Juma sought opportunities to test the Bafana defense.

Challenges Faced by South Sudan

However, South Sudan faced considerable challenges in this match. They arrived with only 15 players due to expensive flight tickets, according to Coach Dupuis. The limited squad size presented a significant challenge, limiting tactical flexibility and affecting the team's overall performance. The overall lack of professional players in the South Sudan squad made their task of competing with a seasoned and talented Bafana Bafana team even more difficult. They ultimately were unable to counter South Africa's consistent pressure.

A Celebration of South African Football

A resounding victory, a triumphant end to an unbeaten qualifying campaign, and a sell-out crowd. All this occurred in Cape Town, showcasing the depth and skill of Bafana Bafana. The match highlights the potential and rising stature of the South African national team under the guidance of Hugo Broos. Bafana Bafana's impressive performance, securing qualification with two games to spare, underpins the team’s remarkable progress. The 3-0 win against South Sudan not only underscores the team's dominance but also showcases their capacity for significant growth.

A New Era for Bafana?

The atmosphere at DHL Cape Town Stadium was electric, with a festival-like atmosphere prevailing. The return to Cape Town after nine years was met with tremendous enthusiasm from the fans. The game marked a significant milestone, demonstrating a renewed connection between the team and its supporters, and highlighting a possible change in approach by the South African Football Association by taking Bafana to different corners of the country. This signifies the South African Football Association's commitment to growing the sport nationwide. The fans’ passionate support throughout the game contributed significantly to the team’s morale and overall success. The resounding victory was a fitting culmination to a year that saw South Africa earn a bronze medal at the 2023 AFCON finals.

The match provided an opportunity for several players to showcase their skills and potentially earn permanent spots in the squad. While the result was already decided, the intense match was an invaluable opportunity for Bafana Bafana to maintain momentum and refine their approach before the start of the actual tournament. The future of Bafana Bafana looks bright. Their dedication, skill, and unity were evident throughout the match. The enthusiastic support they received reflects the growing optimism surrounding the team's potential. This was a fantastic night of football.