South Africa Secures Late Win In AFCON Qualifiers Against South Sudan

• South Africa pulls off a dramatic last-minute victory over South Sudan in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers
• Orlando Pirates' Thalente Mbatha delivers the goods once again, scoring a crucial late goal to secure Bafana Bafana's first win in the qualifiers
• Mzansi football fans react passionately on social media, praising Mbatha and offering insights into Bafana Bafana's performance

In a thrilling encounter on Tuesday afternoon, Bafana Bafana secured their first win in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over South Sudan at the Juba Stadium. The match showcased a rollercoaster of emotions, with twists and turns that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.

The road to this victory wasn't easy. South Africa's first match in the qualifiers against Uganda ended in a draw at the Orlando Stadium, thanks to a late equalizer by none other than Thalente Mbatha. This time around, the Orlando Pirates midfielder once again proved his worth, scoring the decisive goal in the dying moments of the match to ensure all three points for Bafana Bafana.

How Mbatha Stepped Up for Bafana Bafana

The match against South Sudan didn't start in Bafana Bafana's favor. The hosts took an early lead in the 12th minute when Tito Okello converted a penalty, leaving Hugo Broos' team trailing. However, the resilient South Africans didn't let that deter them. Oswin Appollis, the man of the moment, struck twice before halftime to turn the game around and give Bafana Bafana a 2-1 lead going into the break.

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The second half wasn't without its challenges. South Sudan's Valentino Yeul capitalized on a defensive error to level the score, setting the stage for another potential draw. But just when it seemed like the match would end in a stalemate, Mbatha stepped up once again. With minutes left on the clock, he delivered a clinical finish to secure the win, leaving fans and teammates alike celebrating his heroics.

Fans React to Bafana's Dramatic Win

The thrilling victory didn't go unnoticed by Mzansi football fans, who took to social media to express their thoughts on the match. Here's what some of them had to say:

CFC_Emmy1 expressed optimism about the team's future:

"If the team can keep their consistency, then they will get better. This is just the beginning!"

JM_Moyana celebrated the boys in green and gold:

"Well done to the boys. No DNA, just RSA pride shining through!"

UmarFarouK7777 offered a balanced take on Hugo Broos' management:

"It's official: Hugo Broos has done a commendable job so far, but there are still glaring defensive issues. Imagine facing Morocco or Ivory Coast? We need to tighten up back there!"

crowieN echoed concerns about the defense:

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"Bafana's vulnerability in defense is worrying. Broos and his technical team need to address this urgently and restore confidence in the backline. That's the coach's job, after all."

mabasajae highlighted the need for clinical finishing:

"We need to be sharper in the final third. That was some sloppy play, honestly. But thanks, Mbatha, for bailing us out again!"

akaTheSettler questioned some of Broos' tactical decisions:

"How Hugo Broos took out Grant Kekana and started Ngezana instead is baffling. And why isn't Mbatha starting ahead of Sthole? These are questions that need answers. Still, there are positives to take from this game."

Broos Addresses the Uganda Draw

In earlier developments, Briefly News reported that Hugo Broos addressed the reasons behind South Africa's draw against Uganda at the Orlando Stadium. During the post-match press conference, the Belgian coach discussed his team's performance, acknowledging areas that need improvement while also highlighting the positives.

As Bafana Bafana continues their journey in the qualifiers, the focus will undoubtedly be on addressing defensive lapses and ensuring consistency in attack. With players like Thalente Mbatha stepping up in critical moments, there's reason to believe that this team can achieve great things. The road ahead may be challenging, but the spirit of the team and the passion of their fans remain undiminished.