Bafana Bafana and Nigeria played out to a 1-1 draw in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers clash at Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday night.
Below are some of the talking points from this mouthwatering tie between Hugo Broos’ charges and the Super Eagles.
THREE CHANGES FROM THE BAFANA SQUAD THAT FACED NIGERIA AT THE AFCON TOURNAMENT
There were three changes made to the Bafana squad that faced Nigeria at the 2023 AFCON tournament held in Ivory Coast.
This time around, Stellenbosch FC’s Iqraam Rayners, Elias Mokwana of Sekhukhune United and Siyabonga Ngezana from Romanian Liga 1 side FCSB started with the game.
THEMBA ZWANE SCORES FOR SOUTH AFRICA
Once again, Themba Zwane showed that experience is something that cannot be bought in this beautiful game.
‘Mshishi’, as he is popularly known within the football circles, broke the deadlock in the 29th minute of the contest to put Mzansi in front.
Nevertheless, Zwane’s goal was not enough to earn South Africa maximum points away from home against the 2023 AFCON runner-up, as Dele-Bashiru levelled matters in the 46th minute.
ADEMOLA LOOKMAN FACTOR
Ademola Lookman did what was expected of him. He had a bigger role in this tie, given his European experience and doing it in the absence of their talisman Victor Osimhen.
Lookman helped his side secure a draw against Broos’ boys to better their position in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
GROUP C STANDINGS
As a result, Bafana are placed fourth in Group C with four points. South Africa are now one point behind group leaders Lesotho, who defeated Zimbabwe 2-0 this afternoon at Orlando Stadium.
BAFANA BAFANA COMING BACK HOME TO FACE ZIMBABWE
Broos’ charges will return home to prepare for their upcoming game against the neighbours Zimbabwe.
South Africa will take on the Warriors at the Free State Stadium on Tuesday, 11 June 2024. The kick-off is set for 18:00.
This will be Bafana’s first time playing at Free State Stadium since the 2010 FIFA World Cup. 14 years later when France with a 2-1 scoreline.
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