In a heart-stopping encounter at the Juba Stadium on Tuesday, South Africa’s national football team, Bafana Bafana, snatched a dramatic 3-2 victory over South Sudan in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams showcasing attacking flair and determination.
Bafana vs South Sudan: Early Drama in Juba
South Sudan drew first blood in the 15th minute when Tito Okello converted a penalty, putting the hosts in the lead. However, Bafana Bafana responded swiftly, with Oswin Appollis levelling the score just five minutes later. The first half continued to be an end-to-end affair, and Appollis bagged his second goal just before halftime, giving South Africa a 2-1 lead at the break.
Bafana vs South Sudan: Second-half Fightback
The second half saw South Sudan fight back valiantly, and Valentino Yuel’s goal in the 57th minute brought the scores level once again. As the match entered its final stages, it seemed destined for a draw.
Thalente Mbatha the hero
However, in the dying moments of injury time, substitute Thalente Mbatha emerged as the hero for Bafana once again. A loose ball fell to him on the edge of the box, and he unleashed a powerful left-footed volley that found the back of the net, sending the South African bench into raptures.
AFCON Qualifiers Group K implications
This victory marks Bafana Bafana’s first win in Group K of the AFCON qualifiers, and it sees them join Uganda at the top of the group with four points each. Mbatha’s late winner was his second consecutive decisive goal in injury time, having also rescued a 2-2 draw against Uganda in the previous match.
Looking ahead
The win will undoubtedly boost the confidence of the South African team as they continue their quest to qualify for the 2025 AFCON tournament. The team’s resilience and ability to find goals in crucial moments will be key assets in their upcoming matches.
South Africa and South Sudan will return to Group K action next month, with Bafana Bafana facing a double-header against Congo, while South Sudan will take on Uganda twice.
Related article: Bafana Bafana vs South Sudan: Predictions, Key Points, Kick-Off Time in AFCON Qualifiers