Bafana secured AFCON qualification after a 2-1 win away in Liberia. The result means that South Africa will head to the tournament in Cote d’Ivoire along with Morocco who have also managed to get out of Group K.
Bafana travelled to Liberia with only one thing in mind- to win at all costs. Hugo Broos and his men were under pressure after they squandered a 2-0 lead in Soweto to draw 2-2 with the West Africans. An away loss would have sounded the death knell for their qualification hopes in a group only containing three sides.
Broos made 5 different changes. First, Innocent Maela deputised for Aubrey Modiba at left back, Nyiko Mobbie for Themba Zwane, Siphephelo Sithole for Luke Le Roux, Zakhele Lepasa for Lyle Forster and Mihlali Mayambela for Bongokuhle Hlongwane.
The changes proved to work well for Broos as Bafana struck first through striker Zakhele Lepasa in the 19th minute following a perfect pass by Thapelo Morena. The crowd was silenced and Bafana looked to be on their way.
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Zakhele Lepasa got an opener for Bafana Bafana!
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Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams’ blunder in the 35th minute gifted the Liberians an equaliser which brought the crowd to life. The teams would head into the sheds locked at 1-1.
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William Jebor got an equalizer for Liberia!
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Broos opted against making any changes at the halftime break as Bafana emerged from the break with a renewed sense of urgency. A move on the left side created a chance which led to the Liberian keeper failing to handle the ball as it fell into the path of Cyprus-based midfielder, Mihlali Mayambela, who made no mistake giving Bafana lead.
⚽️ 𝔾𝕆𝔸𝕃 ⚽️
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Mihlali Mayambelar restored Bafana Bafana's lead!
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Broos appeared better prepared this time around and managed the game carefully with his substitutions as Bafana held on until the final whistle.
The win means South Africa qualify for their first AFCON since 2019. Led by Stuart Baxter then, the side would go on to reach the quarter-finals after knocking Egypt out in the round of 16.
