Bafana Bafana recorded their biggest win under Hugo Broos as they put Congo to the sword in an emphatic 5-0 victory. Afcon qualifying is going well.
Bafana Bafana in charge of Afcon Qualifying Group K
Teboho Mokoena’s brace and goals from Bathusi Aubaas, Lyle Foster and substitute Iqraam Rayners completed the 5-0 rout for Bafana over lowly Congo. Mamelodi Sundowns playmaker Themba ‘Mshishi’ Zwane brought up his 50th cap on the night. South Africa has seven points from three qualifying matches and faces Congo in the return leg on Monday 15 October.
Starting XI vs Congo: Williams; Mudau, Kekana, Dortley, Modiba; Aubaas, Mokoena; Mokwana, Appollis; Foster, Zwane
Subs used: Iqraam Rayners, Relebohile Mofokeng, Thapelo Morena, Luke Le Roux, Sinoxolo Kwayiba.
Williams praises Bafana Bafana mentality
Skipper Ronwen Williams said the spirit in the camp is exceptional and he loves how the new players have adapted.
“There’s been a change in mentality, and you could see it this week in training. Once the team was together, the team spirit was there again,” he said.
“The brotherhood, the joy, the happiness, you know, it’s been there, and the new players have settled in well and have been looking good. We’re just looking forward to the game and we would like to urge the whole of Eastern Cape, Gqeberha, to come out and support us and show love to the boys.”
Central midfield is depleted but Aubaas steups up like a boss
Meanwhile, ‘Yaya’ Sithole is out indefinitely after surgery on his leg and he’ll miss the remainder of the Afcon qualifiers. The 25-year-old KZN Academy player debuted for the South Africa national team against Morocco in September 2022. After a stint with Sporting in Lisbon, he’s now with Gil Vicente in Portugal. ‘Yaya’ has 18 caps for Bafana, including a string of stellar performances at Afcon 2023. With reported interest from Italy’s Serie A in February this year, the combative star won’t be the cheapest option on the market for reported suitors Kaizer Chiefs once he recovers from injury. Meanwhile, Jayden Adams was dropped for disciplinary reasons and Orlando Pirates star Thalente Mbatha picked up a knock in the MTN8 final. Sundowns star Bathusi Aubaas stepped up in their absence, scoring and starting. Luke Le Roux was the central midfield option Broos used off the bench.
Did you enjoy that win, Bafana fans?
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