Bafana beat Zimbabwe in World Cup qualifier tie: What are the talking points?
Bafana Bafana managed to beat Zimbabwe with a 3-1 scoreline in their 20226 FIFA World Cup clash at a packed Free State Stadium on Tuesday night.
Below are the talking points from this entertaining showpiece.
THE 2010 FIFA WORLD CUP ANNIVERSARY
Bafana were playing on the anniversary day of the 2010 FIFA World Cup that was held in South Africa.
On this day, Bafana played a 1-1 draw with Mexico. Siphiwe Tshabalala scored the first goal of the tournament in the 55th minute of the game, but the Mexican side levelled matters by Rafael Márquez in the 79th minute.
In addition, this was Bafana’s first time playing at Free State Stadium since the 2010 FIFA World Cup when they defeated France with a 2-1 scoreline.
HUGO BROOS MAKES ONE CHANGE
Coach Hugo Broos made one change to his starting line-up that faced Nigeria last Friday at Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
Al Ahly star Percy Tau started on the bench today, with Polokwane City’s Oswin Appollis starting the game.
In a pre-match interview before the Zimbabwe game Broos expressed his concern for the undue pressure put on Tau’s shoulders whenever he’s in the field of play for the national team.
TWO MINUTES, TWO GOALS
Stellenbosch FC’s Iqraam Rayners broke the deadlock just one minute into the game to put South Africa in front.
However, Tawanda Chirewa equalised for the neighbours, Zimbabwe, a minute after the restart.
THAPELO MORENA WINS IT FOR SOUTH AFRICA
Mamelodi Sundowns star Thapelo Morena, who came in the second half, scored the winning goal for Broos’ side in the 55th minute of the showdown.
Morena did not stop there as he scored the third goal for South Africa to complete his brace in the 76th minute of the contest.
As a result, Broos’ boys have climbed up to position two in Group C of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers with seven points from four outings. They are equal on points with group leaders Rwanda.
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