Bafana Bafana were held to a 1-1 draw against Congo in Brazzaville but are still in prime position to qualify for the 2025 African Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Hugo Broos’ charges now sit second in Group K, two points behind leaders Uganda but four ahead of third-placed Congo with two matches still remaining.
The top two teams qualify automatically for the 2025 continental tournament with Bafana needing a solitary victory from their remaining qualifiers to book their flight.
The visitors made a good start to the contest at the Alphonse Massemba-Debat Stadium and took the lead just after the half-hour mark when Elias Mokwana bundled in a rebound after his initial effort was saved.
Bafana however suffered an injury blow five minutes before the halftime break when talisman Themba Zwane was stretchered off with an injury and replaced by Patrick Maswanganyi.
The home team then equalised in first-half stoppage time when Mons Bassouamina produced a fine finish to beat goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
Congo, eager to avenge their 5-0 defeat in the return fixture last Friday, piled on the pressure in the opening minutes of the second half and were unlucky not to go ahead.
Bryan Passi saw a header crash off the cross-bar while Bafana defender Rushwin Dortley appeared to have handled the ball inside the box but no penalty was given.
They settled back down and Bafana seemed to wrestle control back into the game and could have won it at the death if the final pass had to be more accurate.
Both teams were forced to settle for a point apiece with the final two qualifiers in the group to be played next month with Bafana away in Uganda and then hosting South Sudan.
And so it ends at Stade Alphonse Massamba-Debat de Brazzaville ..... pic.twitter.com/WU7VgRIAZB
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) October 15, 2024
