Midfielder Teboho Mokoena scored a brace as Bafana Bafana secured an emphatic 5-0 win over Congo Brazzaville at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Bafana Bafana got off to a perfect start as Mokoena gave the hosts the lead in the 12th minute with a powerful header from a Oswin Appollis corner kick.
The Polokwane City attacker was one of the stand-out performers in this tie as he provided three assists before making way for Orlando Pirates’ Relebohile Mofokeng.
The opening stages featured end-to-end action with a dominant Bafana putting their opponents under immense pressure with intense pressing.
Bafana’s intensity out of possession paid reward with Broos’ side winning the ball back high up the pitch on several occasions.
Mokoena then set the crowd ablaze by doubling the hosts’ lead with a stunning volley in the 27th minute.
The highly-rated midfielder is building an impressive repertoire of long-range strikes.
This time, he deftly controlled the ball with his back to the goal, pivoting sharply just outside the box before unleashing a powerful shot that rocketed into the far corner, leaving the hapless Congolese goalkeeper, Christoffer Mafoumbi, stranded.
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) October 11, 2024
Shortly after the match resumed – following an electrifying pitch invasion as jubilant fans flooded the field to celebrate Mokoena’s second goal – Bafana struck once more.
Midfielder Bathusi Aubaas soared high to deliver a stunning header from a corner kick in the 37th minute, mirroring Mokoena’s opener and pushing the score to a commanding 3-0.
Complete dominance. Two words that perfectly encapsulate Bafana’s stellar start to the second half.
As the game unfolded, Hugo Broos’ squad showcased what could easily be their most impressive performance under the Belgian coach.
The highlight? In the 51st minute, a lightning-fast attacking move culminated in striker Lyle Foster finding the back of the net, extending the lead to an exhilarating 4-0.
The crowd erupted in jubilant chants of “Olé, Olé, Olé,” a sign of the crowd’s approval at the slick pass and mesmerising display of skill from the men in yellow.
Is this a turning point? Could it be that the South African public is reigniting its passionate love affair with Bafana?
In the 78th minute, Iqraam Rayners pounced on a goalkeeper error, intercepting a stray pass and effortlessly slotting the ball into an empty net, sealing a resounding 5-0 victory.
Captain Ronwen Williams beamed with pride, securing his side’s first clean sheet of the qualifiers as the referee’s final whistle echoed.
Next up, Bafana Bafana will set off on an away journey to Congo for their next Group K Afcon qualifier.
