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LEGENDARY: 5 iconic Bafana Bafana goals after Themba Zwane’s stunner against Super Eagles

After talisman Themba Zwane’s stunner against Nigeria in Friday’s crucial World Cup qualifier in Uyo, here are FIVE other iconic Bafana Bafana goals.

Themba Zwane of South Africa during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations match between South Africa and DR Congo at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium.

After talisman Themba Zwane's stunner against Nigeria in Friday's World Cup qualifier in Uyo, here are FIVE other iconic Bafana Bafana goals throughout the years.

Two women looking excitedly at cellphone

Talisman Zwane silenced the home crowd at a packed Godswill Akpabio Stadium by scoring a screamer to give Bafana Bafana the lead in the 29th minute.

The 34-year-old grabbed an attack – that appeared to be headed down a cul-de-sac – by the scruff of the neck and completely orchestrated an attacking move consisting of slick passing, attacking flair and some individual brilliance to stun the home crowd.

Before the emergence of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo – who seemed capable of producing jaw-dropping moments on an almost weekly basis – the greats of the game produced a handful of magical moments that will be forever remembered while cementing their legendary standing in the game.

Zinedine Zidane’s left-footed volley into the top corner for Real Madrid in a Champions League final.

Kaka tearing teams apart – famously including against Manchester United – similarly in the Champions League.

The lethal Brazilian Ronaldo in many World Cup tournaments with his accompanying I-told-you-so finger-wag celebration after leaving many a goalkeeper sprawling on the floor before slotting the ball home into an empty net.

Not to overly compare Zwane to those aforementioned greats, the Mamelodi Sundowns star’s goal in his own right against the Super Eagles did feel significant as an iconic Bafana Bafana moment and further cemented his status as a South African legend.

Hugo Broos confidently stated before the match he had faith in his local Bafana stars holding their own against the Nigerian superstars, Zwane literally proved that with his brilliant goal against a very good Nigerian side in their backyard.

Zwane’s goal seemed to signify that our players can hold their own against anyone on the continent and that his teammates can look to him as a talisman in the big moments.

In celebration, here are other iconic Bafana Bafana goals:

Benni McCarthy

A 20-year-old Benni McCarthy announced himself on the international stage by scoring an incredible four goals in just 14 minutes against Namibia at the 1998 AFCON in Burkina Faso.

In an iconic moment for South African football that would signal the emergence of McCarthy who would go on to become the country’s record goalscorer with 31 goals on 80 appearances.

McCarthy’s deadly finishing signified his ability in front of goal and can perhaps be considered the greatest player this country has ever produced.

Phil Masinga

A teammate of McCarthy’s who he had actually provided an assist for against the same Namibia side before his own goalscoring heroics at the 1998 AFCON.

Masinga sent Bafana Bafana to their first-ever World Cup tournament after firing an unstoppable rocket in a 1-0 win over Congo as the hosts booked their spot at France ’98.

A lanky striker, Masinga was a player who had “swag” and his incredible goal sparked the equally iconic Clive Barker aeroplane celebration that brings a smile to the face when recalled.

Masinga carved out an impressive career for himself representing the likes of Leeds United alongside Lucas Radebe before spells in Italy.

Siphiwe Tshabalala

South Africa’s most famous goal at a World Cup, with added significance as being hosts in 2010, Tshabalala’s iconic opening goal at the 2010 World Cup has become a part of South African sporting folklore. A superb finish matching the crowd-pleasing dancing celebration, Tshabalala has been defined by this epic moment that still lives on nearly 15 years later.

Benni McCarthy (against Denmark)

Being your country’s highest goalscorer it is understandable that you would appear on this list twice. McCarthy finished off a slick-passing Bafana Bafana move involving fellow legends Shoes Mosheu and a back-heeled flick from Shaun Bartlett before Benni finished through the legs of perhaps the greatest-ever goalkeeper in Peter Schmeichel in their third Group D clash at France ’98.

The famous goal caused a ripple effect in South African culture that spawned the popular phrase “shibobo” which later even led to a soccer highlights TV show of the same name and a chart-topping song involving Benni.

Doctor Khumalo

Regarded as one of the greatest South African footballers ever, Doctor Khumalo outplayed a star-studded Brazil side in 1996 and capped off his performance with an iconic strike from outside the area.

Brazil were at the time world champions with Bafana champions of Africa.

Khumalo doubled South Africa’s lead from outside the area to spark wild celebrations and yet another aeroplane celebration from head coach Clive Barker. It was a moment of brilliance from a player who remains a cult figure in local football.

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