It was a Bongokuhle Hlongwane show as Bafana Bafana came from behind to beat visiting Mozambique 2-1 in an international friendly at the Mbombela Stadium on Thursday night.
Here are six takeaways from the exciting Bafana-Mambas encounter.
An improved Hlongwane
Hlongwane has improved immensely since his move to the MLS, where he turns out for Minnesota United. The former Maritzburg United shows more maturity in his game than before.
His ball usage, movements and what he does when the team loses possession have improved his game. The 22-year-old winger’s runs are timed. He passes the ball and knows when to hold it.
A third win on the trot
Bafana Bafana have won three successive matches since their loss to Morocco on 9 June 2022 in their opening Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. The Atlas Lions won the game 2-1 in their own backyard.
Since then, Bafana have played Sierra Leone, Botswana and the Mambas. They beat the Lone Stars 4-0 before edging the Zebras 1-0 at the FNB Stadium. South Africa conceded their first goal in three games, having scored seven.
They are still in search of a target man
In the absence of Lyle Foster, whom Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos spoke so highly of on Wednesday, he started with Zakhele Lepasa upfront.
The Orlando Pirates man has only managed one goal this season in the DStv Premiership. It suggests that Broos is still in search of a target man upfront. Until he finds one, the Belgian will keep trying new players.
Poor start
Bafana were on the back foot in the first half, but they had a better second half. If Broos’ charges are to win crucial games, they must start strong and finish games like that.
They risk being humiliated if they put on a showing like Thursday’s first half against stronger Angola on Sunday.
Broos slowly abandoning long-term mission
When Broos started his job over a year ago, he had the idea of a long-term project. Perhaps he now feels no one is interested in a long-term vision.
Themba Zwane, who started against Mozambique, will be the cornerstone of his Bafana side. Miguel Timm earned his maiden call-up at 30.
He has previously called a few other debutants on the wrong side of 30. At 32, Ruzaigh Gamildien got his call-up with Thabang Monare, 33, and Phathutshedzo Nange, 30, also getting their chances.
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