By Michael Madyira
Bafana Bafana are flying high as they head into Tuesday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Group K qualifier against Congo-Brazzaville at Stade Alphonse Massamba-Debat.
Fresh from a 5-0 thrashing of Congo at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Friday, South Africa’s confidence is soaring. A win in this return match would secure their spot at the Afcon finals, following a dominant performance that has left coach Hugo Broos full of praise for his squad.
“This [the 5-0 win] was something that I always wanted to see from this team, and we did it also in the Afcon [at the beginning of the year in Ivory Coast],” Broos told Safa media.
“Many goals, five goals, good football, modern football, forward football, high rhythm in the game.
“And it shows again what a group of players I have. A group of players I’m very proud of, and I have said it also already before.”
However, South Africa will be missing Burnley striker Lyle Foster, who was injured in Friday’s game in Gqeberha.
The big win was just what Bafana needed after a disappointing 2-2 draw with Uganda in September and a hard-fought 3-2 win over South Sudan. Broos admitted that the team had to regroup after those games.
“We had a little decompression in September, and we talked about it. And then you see the reaction,” the Belgian added.
“Those guys wanted to make a statement, and they made a statement with good football. But it’s only three points, and next Tuesday we have another game.”
Congo-Brazzaville, on the other hand, still have a shot at qualifying for Afcon. With three points from three matches, they’ll be fighting hard in this return leg to keep their hopes alive.
Pictured above: Teboho Mokoena leads his Bafana Bafana teammates in celebrating his goal against Congo-Brazzaville
Source: Bafana Bafana
