Hugo Broos’s Bafana Bafana have secured their place in the 2025 AFCON after Congo Brazzaville’s 3-2 loss to South Sudan on Thursday.
The South Africa national team, currently in Kampala for their upcoming qualifier against Uganda, received the news of their qualification hours after arriving in Kampala. This comes after Congo Brazzaville’s defeat, which leaves the West Africans unable to surpass South Africa’s points tally.
Even if Bafana lose their match against the Cranes and South Sudan, they will still be in Morocco as runners-up in Group K. Bafana are on eight points after two wins and two draws. Uganda top the group with 10 points, off three wins and a draw.
Congo, on the other hand, are on four points with one game before the curtain comes down on their campaign.
Despite the early qualification, SA are expected to push for maximum points. They will face Uganda on Friday at the Mandela National Stadium and South Sudan at DHL Stadium on Tuesday.
Uganda and Bafana played a 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture in Johannesburg. By qualifying for consecutive CAF AFCON tournaments, Bafana have rekindled hope among South African football fans and demonstrated the progress made under Broos’s stewardship.
WHAT HUGO BROOS SAID AHEAD OF NEXT 2025 AFCON QUALIFIERS
“These two games are crucial,” Broos stated. “A win in Uganda would put us in a strong position, but we must be prepared for a tough challenge against South Sudan at home.”
He emphasised the importance of consistency in player selection, highlighting the strong bond and understanding among the players.
However, he will have to do without his talisman, Themba Zwane, who is nursing an injury. In the absence of ‘Mshishi’, Broos looks likely to start Patrick Maswanganyi of Orlando Pirates. Mothobi Mvala returns in midfield and could partner with Rushwin Dortley in the heart of defence.
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