Bafana Bafana defender Nkosinathi Sibisi has revealed the lessons the squad has picked up from their last two games at the CAF 2025 AFCON tournament, currently underway in Morocco.
Hugo Broos‘ charges are in Group B at the AFCON competition alongside Egypt, Angola, and Zimbabwe.
South Africa began their AFCON campaign on Monday, 22 December, with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Angola at the Grand Stade de Marrakech. Oswin Appollis and Lyle Foster scored for Bafana, while Show netted the only goal for Angola.
But Bafana went on to suffer a 1-0 defeat to Egypt on Friday, 26 December. Mohamed Salah’s solitary goal from the spot was enough to earn the Pharaohs maximum points.
The talented centre-back, Sibisi, was part of the Bafana squad that clinched the bronze medal at the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast.
WHAT ARE THE KEY TAKEAWAYS NKOSINATHI SIBISI IS TALKING ABOUT?
As Bafana head to their last group stage match against the Warriors of Zimbabwe at the Stade de Marrakech this evening, Sibisi shared key takeaways from their previous encounters, noting that being a solid team and keeping clean sheets are factors that will help them go far in the tournament.
“You know, the biggest lesson I think we have taken away from this tournament is not just how you do it, but that you have to do it to get results. I think we saw in our previous two games that we fought hard against Angola and managed to secure a victory,” said Sibisi.
“But I also think being solid as a team and keeping clean sheets will take us a long way in this tournament. I believe we have conceded two goals so far. However, looking back at the previous AFCON, we kept a number of clean sheets, which helped us reach the semi-finals, and I think that will be very important. So, I believe those are the takeaways from the tournament so far.”
The game between Bafana and Zimbabwe will kick off at 18:00 [SA time]. Broos’ troops need a point to secure their place in the Round of 16.
As things stand, Bafana are placed second in Group B with three points from two outings, while the Warriors are in fourth position with one point after two games.
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